Novel polyisobutylene/poly(dimethylsiloxane) bicomponent networks. II. Network structure and property characterization

Abstract

The first part of this series concerned the synthesis of novel polyisobutylene (PIB)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) bicomponent networks; the present paper concerns the structure and property characterization of a series of bicomponent networks of varying compositions (PIB wt %/PDMS wt % = 92/8, 70/30, 50/50, 35/65) having average molecular weights between crosslinks (Mc) of ˜ 20,000 g/mol. According to network structure analysis by uniaxial equilibrium stress–strain measurements, the experimental Mc's are in excellent agreement with theoretical values. Hydrosilation end-linking efficiency was quantitated by the amount of sol and functional group analysis by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. NMR evidence indicates double-bond isomerization during hydrosilation. Network compositions by elemental analysis together with the low sol fractions indicate efficient crosslinking. These data suggest highly efficient network formation and well-defined bicomponent network structures. While PIB and PDMS showed Tg's at −72 and −124°C, respectively, the bicomponent network did not exhibit clearly discernible phase transitions. The heat stability of bicomponent networks increased slightly with increasing PDMS content showing initial (10%) degradation temperatures at ˜ 380°C in nitrogen and ˜ 320°C in air. Tensile strengths and elongations were dependent on composition and varied in the 0.6–3.8 MPa and 600–1100% ranges, respectively. The swelling behavior was not much affected by composition. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 36: 1901–1910, 1998