Surface Modification of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) for Retarding Swelling in Organic Solvents

Abstract

A method of alleviating swelling problems of poly(dimethysiloxane) (PDMS) molds in organic solvents is developed that allows repeated use of the molds without deleterious solvent effects. The method involves surface modification of PDMS surface with poly(urethaneacrylate) that results in a partially modified PDMS surface. This modification leads to a significant reduction in the rate of solvent absorption into PDMS such that the swelling can be controlled.