Polymer, Vol.77, 312-322, 2015
Full silicone interpenetrating bi-networks with different organic groups attached to the silicon atoms
Mixed silicone interpenetrating networks have been prepared using two groups of siloxane polymers and copolymers as precursors in different combinations. Each combination chosen, after a good mixing in solution with cross-linking agents was processed into film, which has been stabilized through sequential crosslinking using separate chemical pathways: condensation with tetraethyl orthosilicate at room temperature for the first network and addition (hydrosilylation) at higher temperatures in the case of the second one. The morphology of the resulted materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mixing degrees of the two networks were estimated on the basis of the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) traces as well as by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The obtained films were characterized from point of view of the properties of interest for electromechanical applications by mechanical testing, dielectric spectroscopy and electrical breakdown measurements. The influence of the nature and content of the polar groups attached on the silicon on these characteristics was discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.