Dynamic viscoelastic properties and the age changes of long-term soft denture liners

The dynamic viscoelastic properties of long-term soft denture liners were measured over a wide range of frequencies using a dynamic viscoelastometer based on a non-resonance-forced vibration principle. Changes in properties over a 3 yr period have also been monitored. One acrylic material, one fluoroelastomer, one heat cured silicone and one self-curing addition silicone were used. Complex dynamic tensile modulus (E*), tensile storage modulus (E′), tensile loss modulus (E″) and loss tangent (tan δ) were determined over the frequency range from 0.01 to 100 Hz on administration of a 0.27% strain at 37°C. The dynamic viscoelasticity of the acrylic and fluoroelastomer products was more sensitive to changes in frequency than that of silicone products. The acrylic material and fluoroelastomer exhibited viscoelastic behaviour whilst silicones exhibited elastic behaviour. The silicone products remained unchanged after soaking for 3 yr whilst the acrylic and fluoroelastomer products underwent significant change.