Compression Response of Silicone-Based Composites with Integrated Multifunctional Fillers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) possesses desirable mechanical properties, chemical stability, and flexibility.
• Functional PDMS composites are crucial for advanced applications in electronics, medical devices, and aerospace.
• There is a need for PDMS composites with higher filler loadings for improved mechanical performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop high-performance PDMS composites using a novel high molecular weight (MW) PDMS resin.
• To investigate the incorporation of boron (B), hollow glass microballoons (HGMs), and tungsten-coated hollow glass microballoons (WHGMs) as fillers.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties of these composites at high filler concentrations.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a high MW PDMS resin with high elongation capacity (>6500%).
• Incorporation of B, HGMs, and WHGMs into the high MW PDMS matrix.
• Characterization of the mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and compression resilience, of the resulting composites.

Main Results:

• PDMS composites achieved high filler loadings: up to 67.6 vol.% B, 68.6 vol.% HGM, and 54.0 vol.% WHGM.
• Composites demonstrated excellent elastic properties and significant compression resilience (35-80%).
• Elastic modulus ranged from 1.28 to 10.15 MPa at approximately 60 vol.% filler loading.

Conclusions:

• The developed high MW PDMS is suitable for creating high-performance composites.
• These PDMS composites offer enhanced mechanical properties at high filler loadings.
• Potential applications include aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.