Investigating the Mechanical Properties of a Platinum-cyclovinylmethyl-siloxane Complex Catalyzed PDMS Network

In this report, a PDMS network formed from catalysis of a linear, bifunctional polymer by Ashby-Karstedt’s catalyst is analyzed. An exploration of the crosslink density, shear plateau modulus, and glass transition temperature is performed to display some of the material’s mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. The softness of this network in addition to the biocompatibility and thermal stability of PDMS make this elastomer useful for a broad spectrum of applications.