A Shear-Stiffening Mouthguard with Excellent Shock Absorption Capability and Remoldability via a Dynamic Dual Network

Abstract

Mouthguards are used to reduce injuries and the probability of them to orofacial tissues when impacted during sports. However, the usage of a mouthguard is low due to the discomfort caused by the thickness of the mouthguard. Herein, we have constructed a dynamic dual network to fabricate a shear-stiffening mouthguard with remoldability, which are called remoldable shear-stiffening mouthguards (RSSMs). Based on diboron/oxygen dative bonds, RSSMs show a shearstiffening effect and excellent shock absorption ability, which can absorb more than 90% of the energy of a blank. Even reducing the thickness to half, RSSMs can reduce approximately 25% of the transmitted force and elongate by about 1.6-fold the buffer time compared to commercial mouthguard materials (Erkoflex and Erkoloc-pro). What is more, owing to the dynamic dual network, RSSMs show good remolding performance with unchanged shear-stiffening behavior and impact resistance, which conforms to the existing vacuum thermoforming mode. In addition, RSSMs exhibit stability in artificial saliva and biocompatibility. In conclusion, this work will broaden the range of mouthguard materials and offer a platform to apply shear-stiffening materials to biomedical applications and soft safeguarding devices.

The production and materials of mouthguards: Conventional vs additive manufacturing - A systematic review

“…However, the authors retracted that the benefits are due to significantly simplifying the production process and also reducing errors in the printing and plaster transfer process. Huang et al [ 93 ] and Zhou [ 94 ] highlight the need for a thin and soft material that maintains the mechanical properties and work by Li et al [ 85 ] follows this principle through manufacturing via FDM.…”

Silicone Bioadhesive with Shear-Stiffening Effect: Rate-Responsive Adhesion Behavior and Wound Dressing Application

“…Noncovalent interactions are beneficial to develop stimuli-responsive adhesives . Poly­(borosiloxane) (PBS), a supramolecular material containing massive monoboron/oxygen dative bonds, exhibits a fantastic shear-stiffening effect and thus can be employed as an intelligent material with a simple force rate response. − For instance, our group constructed a smart sensor by combining PBS, poly­(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), where the electric conductivity of the sensor exhibits response to the force rate. Therefore, the sensor can be applied to artificial skin for touching-rate sensing and strain-rate monitoring .…”