perfluorohexyloctane (F6H8) in silicone oil
(polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) 1000) and to
measure the viscosity and the specific gravity
of the mixture obtained (heavy silicone oil or
HSO tamponade) to define the ideal ratio of
these components.
Methods The solubility diagram of the
mixture was obtained with the turbidimetric
method, indicating the miscibility of F6H8
and silicone oil 1000 at all the useful
temperatures. The viscosity was measured in
steady shear conditions by using a controlled
stress rheometer (Haake RS150) and a double
cone/plate (DC 60/4) system, both at 25 and
371C for different volume per cent
compositions of the mixture. The specific
gravity was measured at 371C using a digital
densimeter.
Results A mixture of F6H8 30 v% and PDMS
70 v% was found to be transparent and stable
at all the useful temperatures. By combining
these proportions of the two substances, a
resultant density of 1.06 g/cm3 was obtained.
The viscosity of the 30% F6H8 mixture was
203 mPa.s at 251C and 163 mPa.s at 371C
respectively.
Conclusions The ideal F6H8 and silicone
oil mixture can be obtained combining
30% of F6H8 with 70% of silicone oil 1000.
This mixture seems to have rheological
properties useful for its use as an
alternative intraocular heavy
tamponade.
