Evaluation of laminated structures for sports mouthguards

Patrick, D., van Noort, R. and Found, M.S. (2002) Evaluation of laminated structures for sports mouthguards. Key Engineering Materials, 222. pp. 133-144. ISSN 1013-9826

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Abstract

Most of the past studies have concentrated on the properties of mouthguard materials rather than their ability to protect the underlying substructure. Previous work has indicated that the incorporation of a shook absorbing layer into the sports mouthguard reduces the likelihood of injury to the head, neck and oral cavity of the wearer, The purpose of this study is to develop an optimum laminated structure that protects an easily deformable structure during an impact.

Dropweight impact tests were conducted on a series of moulded samples which were circularly clamped and force-time and displacement-time plots obtained, Single thickness specimens of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), 1-5mm thick were compared with laminated structures of EVA, incorporating 1mm thick layers of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and a silicone or synthetic rubber up to a thickness of 5mm. It was observed that the multi-layered structures exhibited less deformation thereby transmitting less of the harmful effects through the laminate. It was concluded that laminated systems for mouthguards using different materials appear to offer better protection to the wearer.

Item Type:	Article
Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information:	Copyright © 2002 Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland
Keywords:	impact, mouthguard, protection, shock absorbing
Academic Units:	The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health (Sheffield) > School of Dentistry (Sheffield) > Department of Adult Dental Care (Sheffield)
Depositing User:	Sherpa Assistant
Date Deposited:	18 Apr 2005
Last Modified:	08 Feb 2013 16:47
Status:	Published
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/id/eprint/400

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