Beyond Mechanical Limitations: A Millable PDMS-Polyurethane Elastomer Integrating Superior Strength, Wide-Temperature...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Silicone elastomers are widely used but limited by poor mechanical properties.
• Applications in aerospace and biomedical fields require enhanced material performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate millable PDMS-based polyurethane elastomers (MPUAs).
• To significantly improve the mechanical strength of silicone elastomers.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of millable PDMS-based polyurethane elastomers (MPUAs).
• Mechanical testing including tensile strength, elongation at break, and tear strength.
• Evaluation of properties such as temperature resistance, hydrophobicity, oil resistance, and cytotoxicity.

Main Results:

• MPUAs exhibit a 60% improvement in tensile strength (16.06 MPa) compared to traditional silicone elastomers.
• Achieved elongation at break of 305% and tear strength of 48.97 kN/m.
• Demonstrated exceptional performance in extreme temperatures (-116∼310 °C), with tensile strength increasing by 200% at -60 °C.

Conclusions:

• MPUAs offer superior mechanical properties and enhanced low-temperature performance.
• The developed elastomers show significant potential for demanding applications in aerospace, biomedical, and other fields.
• MPUAs represent a promising advancement over conventional silicone elastomers.