Analysis in vitro of strength degradation comparing latex and non-latex elastics

ABSTRACT

Aim: This study was conducted in order to evaluate and compare the behavior of latex and non-latex elastics, as the loss of strength over time in vitro. Methods: The study evaluated 15 of each elastic material for the pre-selected times 0, 1, 3, 12 and 24 hours. The rubber bands were transferred to the testing machine (EMIC DL-500 MF). The force values were recorded after stretching the elastic to a length of 25mm. Independent t-test was applied. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to check the variation of the forces generated between those determined times. To identify between which times the difference was present, Tukey post-hoc test was accomplished. Results: As regards the initial forces (zero time), the values of force for non-latex elastic were slightly higher than the latex elastic. In subsequent times, the forces generated by the latex elastic showed higher values. Regarding the material degradation, at the end of 24 hours the highest percentage was observed for non-latex elastic. Conclusion: The latex elastic had a more stable behavior during the studied period compared with non-latex. Thus, it is suggested that the non-latex elastics should be changed more frequently and that larger initial forces must be applied than the látex elastics