Color Stability of Graphene Oxide Incorporated Room Temperature Vulcanizing Silicone At Different Concentrations: An In Vitro Study

Abstract

Purpose: Incorporating graphene oxide has been shown to enhance the mechanical and physical properties of specific materials including resin, whereas change in the properties of silicone elastomers is yet to be evaluated.

Materials and method: This in vitro comparative study involved 30 samples fabricated using a stainless-steel die designed according to specific dimensions. The samples were divided into three groups: Group I (Sil 0.5-G) with 0.5% graphene oxide in silicone elastomer, Group II (Sil 1-G) with 1% graphene oxide in silicone elastomer, and Group III (Sil 2-G) with 2% graphene oxide in silicone elastomer. All samples were made from a standard RTV silicone elastomer, mixed as per the manufacturer's guidelines, with graphene added at the designated concentrations. The specimens were exposed to artificial aging chamber. Before and after aging, the spectrophotometer reading was measured and the data were examined through statistical analysis using a one-way ANOVA, followed by additional post hoc tests for further evaluation.

Results: Delta E values were significantly higher in the group containing 0.5% graphene oxide compared to the group with 1% graphene oxide (p < 0.0001). Similarly, a significant increase in delta E values was observed in the group containing 2% graphene oxide compared to the group with 1% graphene oxide (p < 0.0001). Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between the groups containing 0.5% and 2% graphene oxide (p = 0.1021).

Conclusion: After the addition of graphene oxide to medical-grade silicone, the least level of color variation was observed at a 1% concentration, suggesting it as the most effective level.