Introduction: Antifungal agents such as 1% Clotrimazole can be included in maxillofacial
prostheses for their antifungal properties. Despite a lack of literature evidence supporting this
connection, we conducted this study to assess and compare the physical properties of vulcanized
maxillofacial silicone material with and without the inclusion of 1% Clotrimazole as an antifungal
agent.
Material and Method: Custom stainless steel molds were produced to assess mechanical
properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage, Tear Strength, and Hardness). Three dies,
compliant with ISO and ASTM standards, were crafted for silicone test specimens. To ensure
even dispersion, 1% Clotrimazole, an antifungal agent, was added to part B of room temperature
vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material (VST-30, Versiltal silicone).
Results: Regardless of whether room temperature vulcanized maxillofacial silicone material
included 1% Clotrimazole as an antifungal agent, all specimens displayed statistically insignificant
changes in mechanical properties, including Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage at break,
and Tear Strength. However, a notable difference in Hardness was observed in the maxillofacial
silicone material when comparing samples with and without 1% Clotrimazole. Samples with
the antifungal agent exhibited improved mechanical properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation
Percentage at break, Tear Strength, and Hardness) compared to those without the antifungal
agent.
Conclusion: Adding an antifungal agent to maxillofacial silicone elastomer is a viable option
to enhance prostheses by reducing fungal activity. Additionally, it improves the mechanical
properties (Tensile Strength, Elongation Percentage at break, Tear Strength, and Hardness) of
medical-grade maxillofacial silicone material, extending the longevity of the prosthesis.