The Department of Dental Technology at the College of Dentistry, University of Mosul, witnessed on Sunday, 14 June 2026, the defense of the master’s thesis entitled: “The Effect of Processing Temperature and Curing Time on Certain Properties of Silicone Used in Maxillofacial Prostheses”

submitted by Ms. Tuqa Tariq Al-Hashimi.

The thesis aimed to evaluate selected physical and mechanical properties of silicone materials used in maxillofacial prostheses through a series of laboratory investigations that included the assessment of the mechanical, chemical, and optical properties of the materials. The tests comprised tear strength and tensile strength measurements to determine the material’s resistance to tearing and mechanical stress under tension. In addition, Shore A hardness testing was conducted to evaluate the elasticity and hardness of the elastomeric materials. The study also employed Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical analysis and accurate identification of the molecular composition of the materials. Furthermore, color testing was performed to assess the visual appearance of the final product and to ensure its quality and color stability.

The findings revealed statistically significant differences between the materials under investigation. The results demonstrated that High-Temperature Vulcanized (HTV) silicone exhibited greater durability and superior color stability compared with Room-Temperature Vulcanized (RTV) silicone. Both materials, however, showed changes in their mechanical and aesthetic properties over time. The study indicated that greater durability and an extended service life of maxillofacial prostheses can be achieved through the appropriate selection of materials and their timely replacement. The thesis also recommended conducting further studies aimed at developing more stable silicone materials through the use of improved stabilizer formulations and nanofillers.

The thesis defense committee was chaired by Assistant Professor Dr. Aliaa Wameed, with Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammed Muayad Saadoon and Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammed Abdul Latif serving as members. Professor Dr. Nada Zuhair Mohammed served as both the thesis supervisor and a member of the defense committee.

At the conclusion of the defense, the thesis was accepted subject to the incorporation of the required revisions.