What is it about?
The project described in our publication compared the results of tensile tests on silicone elastomers using two commonly used "Types" of specimen that are different in length and width. Our tests show that the results are are not affected by specimen Type. This is not a universally expected result, and has implications for international breast implant standards.
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Why is it important?
The published literature on whether specimen shape affects the measurements of the tensile properties of elastomers is inconclusive. Some authors reported large effects and others reported the stress–strain behavior is largely independent of specimen geometry. Our paper was written as ASTM breast implant standards F703-18(2022) and F2051(2022) were being amended. These two standards specify that tensile tests on breast implant shell must be conducted in accordance with ASTM D 412 using Type C specimens described in that standard.
Perspectives
The test results and recommendations in this paper were invaluable in coming up with a harmonized requirement for the tensile strength and elongation at break of the silicone shell of breast implants. We could list a single, harmonized requirement while allowing the test to be performed using either one of two currently used specimen types. The published literature is equivocal about the effect of specimen shape on the results of tensile tests on elastomeric materials. Our paper provides definitive evidence that tests conducted with different specimen shapes will yield the same result provided that the test is conducted using an extensometer.
Jorge Garcia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Tensile Stress–Strain Properties of Silicone Elastomers are Not Affected by Specimen Type, Journal of Testing and Evaluation, October 2025, ASTM International,
DOI: 10.1520/jte20250041.
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