Accelerated ageing of pigmented silicone elastomer nanocomposites, suitable for biomedical applications

摘要

Silicone elastomers are a class of polymers extensively used in many biomedical applications, such as facial prostheses, production of catheters, stents, cardiac leads, respiratory aids and similar medical devices. These materials present a wide service temperature range, good optical clarity, weather resistance, low chemical reactivity and low toxicity. However, their properties may change as a result of aging, eventually to the point where the material is no longer capable for satisfying the standards of its function. Aging takes place at normal ambient temperatures and as the temperature increases, the rate of underlying degradation process is accelerated. Furthermore, silicone biomaterials often operate under conditions where factors such as UV light, moisture,