Effect of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) closed cell foam on transmitted forces in mouthguard material. Issue 3 (1st June 2002)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Westerman, B; Stringfellow, P M; Eccleston, J A; Harbrow, D J
• Is Part Of: British journal of sports medicine. Volume 36:Issue 3(2002)
• Page Start: 205
• Page End: 208
• Publication Date: 2002-06-01
• Subjects: mouthguard -- closed cell foam -- transmitted forces -- ethylene vinyl acetate -- EVA; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; 617.1027
• DOI: 10.1136/bjsm.36.3.205
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-3674

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To compare transmitted forces through ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) mouthguard material and the same EVA material with gas inclusions in the form of a closed cell foam. Method: EVA mouthguard materials with and without foam gas inclusions and 4 mm thick were impacted with a constant force from an impact pendulum. Various porosity levels in the foam materials were produced by 1%, 5%, and 10% by weight foaming agent. The forces transmitted through the EVA after energy absorption by the test materials were measured with a force sensor and compared. Results: Only minor non-significant differences in transmitted forces through the EVA with and without foam were shown. Conclusions: The inclusion of gas in the form of a closed cell foam in 4 mm thick EVA mouthguard materials did not improve the impact performance of the EVA mouthguard material.