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Contact mechanics for polydimethylsiloxane: from liquid to solid.
1PGI-1, FZ Jülich, Germany. b.persson@fz-juelich.de.
Soft Matter
|January 19, 2018
Summary
The adhesion of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to glass changes as it cures. Initially liquid, PDMS shows pure adhesion, transitioning to solid-state mechanics as it cross-links over time.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Adhesion is critical in material applications.
- Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a widely used silicone elastomer.
- Understanding PDMS cross-linking dynamics is essential for controlling its mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transition in adhesion mechanics of PDMS during its cross-linking process.
- To correlate PDMS cross-link density with contact mechanics.
- To characterize the change from liquid to solid-like behavior.
Main Methods:
- Simultaneous measurement of ball-PDMS interaction force during room-temperature cross-linking.
- Analysis of contact mechanics, transitioning from capillary-driven to Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR)-type.
- Observation of material behavior, including stringing and permanent deformation.
Main Results:
- PDMS exhibits purely adhesive interaction in its liquid state (first ~16 hours).
- A transition to poroelastic solid behavior occurs at the gel point, with pressure-sensitive adhesive characteristics.
- Stringing and permanent deformation are observed during the transition phase.
- Full cross-linking at room temperature takes over ~100 hours.
Conclusions:
- PDMS adhesion mechanics evolve significantly during cross-linking.
- The transition involves a shift from capillary forces to JKR-type contact mechanics.
- PDMS displays unique properties akin to pressure-sensitive adhesives during its gelation phase.
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