Silicone Research Articles

3D printing molding of UV‐curing liquid silicone rubber by UV follow curing

AbstractSilicone rubber is renowned for its excellent mechanical properties and high biocompatibility. 3D printing enables the realization of more complex structures and the development of more flexible and diverse functions, providing more opportunities and a more comprehensive range of applications in aerospace, biomedical, flexible wearable, soft robotics, and other fields. However, silicone rubber is often hindered by poor rheology and low curing efficiency, which significantly affects the forming performance of the parts. Therefore, this study introduces a UV‐follow curing method for direct ink writing (UFC‐DIW) utilizing UV‐curable silicone rubber. First, a kind of liquid silicone rubber (UV‐LSR) capable of rapid curing under UV light was synthesized, both its curing kinetics and rheological behavior were thoroughly investigated. Then, UV‐LSR inks with lower shear stress were printed using the UFC‐DIW method. A comparative analysis was conducted between the overall structure produced via UFC‐DIW and parts molded through postprinting integral curing methods. The results show that while parts cured postprinting exhibit deformation correlated with printing height, those fabricated using UFC‐DIW maintain structural integrity without deformation. It demonstrates that the UFC‐DIW method can effectively improve the formability of the parts.

A study on sleep posture analysis using fibre bragg grating arrays based mattress

Prolonged sleeping postures or unusual postures can lead to the development of various ailments such as subacromial impingement syndrome, sleep paralysis in the elderly, nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux, sore development, etc Fibre Bragg Gratings (a variety of optical sensors) have gained huge popularity due to their small size, higher sensitivity and responsivity, and encapsulation flexibilities. However, in the present study, FBG Arrays (two FBGs with 10 mm space between them) are employed as they are advantageous in terms of data collection, mitigating sensor location effects, and multiplexing features. In this work, Liquid silicone encapsulated FBG arrays are placed in the head (E), shoulder (C, D), and lower half body (A, B) region for analyzing the strain patterns generated by different sleeping postures namely, Supine (P1), Left Fetus (P2), Right Fetus (P3), and Over stomach (P4). These strain patterns were analyzed in two ways, combined (averaging the data from each FBG of the array) and Individual (data from each FBG was analyzed separately). Both analyses suggested that the FBGs in the arrays responded swiftly to the strain changes that occurred due to changes in sleeping postures. 3D histograms were utilized to track the strain changes and analyze different sleeping postures. A discussion regarding closely related postures and long hour monitoring has also been included. Arrays in the lower half (A, B) and shoulder (C, D) regions proved to be pivotal in discriminating body postures. The average standard deviation of strain for the different arrays was in the range of 0.1 to 0.19 suggesting the reliable and appreciable strain-handling capabilities of the Liquid silicone encapsulated arrays.

Fabrication of microspore-structured replica-mediated silicone polymers for inhibition of cellular adhesion and biofilm formation

Fabrication of microspore-structured replica-mediated silicone polymers for inhibition of cellular adhesion and biofilm formation

Synthesis, Characterization and Study of Thermal Properties of New Silicone Polymers and Their Nanocomposites

الهدف من الدراسه تحضير فئه جديده من بوليمرات السليكون P1-P4 والتي تمت على اساس استحدام ثنائي مثيل ثنائي كلورو سيلان((DCDMS مع بعض المركبات العضويه التي تحتوي مجاميع الهيدروكسيل الطرفيه والتي حضرت لاول مره M1-M4، بأستخدم البلمره التكثيفيه .كما تم تحضير متراكباتها النانويهP′1-P′4 بوجود جسيمات الفضه النانويه (Ag-NPs) باستخدام طريقة صب المحاليل. شخصت جميع التراكيب للمونمرات والبوليمرات المحضره باستخدام مطيافية FTIR و H1NMR (لبعض البوليمرات) مما سمح بتحديد المجموعات الوظيفية الفعاله للمونومرات وبوليمرات السيليكون. اجريت التحاليل الحراريه الوزنيه TGAوالمسح المسعري التفاضلي DSC لتقييم السلوك الحراري وتاثير وجود جسيمات الفضه النانويهAgNPs .اظهرت نتائج التحليل الحراري ان وجود حلقات الفنيل اظهرت استقرارحراري لبوليمرات السيليكون النقية P1-P4 وان اقحام جسيمات الفضه النانويه بوزن 7 ٪ اظهرت تحسن في الاداء الحراري للمتراكبات النانويه P′1-P′4 مقارنة ببوليمرات السليكون النقيه، ممايعني ان درجة الحراره لفقدان الوزن TGA كانت اعلى لمعظم المتراكبات النانويه P′1-P′4 مقارنة الى بوليمرات السليكون النقيه ، حيث ازدادت درجة الحراره لفقدان الوزن TGA للبوليمر P2 من 127 الى 196 للمتراكبه التانويه P′2 ،وهذا قد بعود الى ملئ الفراغات الحره بين السلاسل البوليمريه بواسطة جسيمات الفضه النانويه .استخدمت تقنية حيود الاشعه السينيه XRD لتشخيص وجود جسيمات الفضة النانويه حيث اظهرت XRD وجود الفضه بحجم نانوي يتراوح بين 20-30 نانوميتر بالاضافه الى دراسة شكل وحجم جسيمات الفضه يتقنية مجهر القوة الذريه وكما تم دراسة مورفولجية السطح باستخدام تقنية مجهر المسح الالكتروني والذي اظهرنوعا ما سطح موحد للمتراكبه النانويه.

Coating Materials to Prevent Screw Loosening in Single Dental Implant Crowns: A Systematic Review

Oral rehabilitation with dental implants has resulted in high success rates. However, some complications have been described, such as the loss of the prosthetic screw. Some manufacturers sell screws with different coatings to avoid screw loosening, but even these types of screws can come loose. We aimed to investigate the screw coatings that can be applied during a dental appointment to avoid screw loosening. Following PRISMA Guidelines, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science for studies published up to January 2024. All studies of single dental implant crowns, in which the prosthetic screw was coated with a lubricant and the preload and/or the removal torque value (RTV) was recorded, were analyzed. We excluded studies applying the finite element method (FEM) as well as studies without a control group. The risk of bias was assessed with a tool developed by our research group. Of the 1959 records identified, 19 were selected. Ten studies were considered to have a low risk of bias, and nine were considered to have a medium risk of bias. The coatings tested were adhesives, saliva, chlorhexidine, Vaseline, silicone gel, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape, blood, fluoride, Listerine® Mouthwash and normal saline. The preload, the RTV with and without cyclic loading and the percentage of RTV loss were recorded. Some coatings show promise, although there is no clear evidence that any option is superior in minimizing screw loosening.

Molding blends of silicone polymer / polypropylene with durable resistant to extreme conditions based on migration and compatibility of molecular chains

Because of low surface energy, silicone polymers would easily peel off from polypropylene (PP) substrate as hydrophobic coatings and they are incompatible with PP in melt-blending process as well. Therefore, ethylene polymers modified with both silicone and alkane side-groups were prepared by nucleophilic substitution in this work. It was confirmed that these prepared polymers could migrate and aggregate to the surface of the blends at that melting temperature when blended with PP due to the low surface energy and high entropy of silicone side groups. Meanwhile, chain entanglement was achieved between alky side-groups of silicone polymers and polymer chain of PP by melt-blending process, so that the compatibility of the blends was improved and the bonding force of two polymers increased simultaneously. Accordingly, molding blends with stable and durable hydrophobility were successfully gained based on migration of silicone and entanglement of alkane and PP. It’s noticeable that the water contact angle of the blend remained to be about 106° from 113°, even soaking in acid (pH = 1) and alkali (pH = 14) solutions, deionized water and anhydrous ethanol, or under multiple strong frictions. This will provide a facile and effective strategy to endow general materials with durable antifouling properties directly by injection molding without additional coating.

Roles of modified additives in the repair of damaged SiC-ZrB2/SiC coating of carbon/carbon composites

Damaged SiC-ZrB2/SiC (SZS) coatings of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites were repaired using polysiloxane (PSO)-based repair agents. SiC-ZrB2 powder was used as an inert filler, and Al2O3 and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) were introduced as modified additives. The effects of each component of the repair agents on the chemical composition, microstructure, and oxidation behavior of the repaired coatings were investigated, and the repair mechanism was clarified. The repaired area was dense and smooth, showed good compatibility with the original coating, and remained intact after oxidation at 1500 ℃ for 360 min. The addition of Al2O3 promoted the pyrolysis of PSO and formation of β-SiC, which was beneficial to the densification and oxidation resistance of the repaired coatings. The introduction of IPA improved the fluidity of the repair agents, and the repair agents infiltrated the coated C/C composites through the micropores on the damaged surface under capillary action, thereby enhancing the interfacial bonding strength. The weight loss of the damaged coating after oxidation decreased from 21.16 % to 0.48 % after repair. This work offers an approach for optimizing the repair of Si-based ceramic coatings.

Polymers Containing Diethylsiloxane Segment and Active Functional Group by Ring-Opening Polymerization of Hexaethylcyclotrisiloxane under the Catalysis of Linear Chlorinated Phosphazene Acid.

Linear chlorinated phosphazene acid is prepared using PCl5 and NH4Cl as raw materials. Using hexaethylcyclotrisiloxane as the monomer, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane or 1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane as the end-capping agent, and linear chlorinated phosphazene acid as the catalyst, polydiethylsiloxane oligomers terminated with active Si-H or Si-CH=CH2 groups have been prepared. Using hexaethylcyclotrisiloxane and 1,3,5,7-octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane as comonomers, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane or hexamethyldisiloxane as the end-capping agent, or using hexaethylcyclotrisiloxane and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane as comonomers, 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane as the end-capping agent, copolymers containing active Si-H bonds and dimethylsiloxane segments have been prepared under the catalysis of linear chlorinated phosphazene acid. The effects of catalyst dosage, reaction temperature, reaction time, end-capping agent, and polymerization monomer dosage on polymer yield and structure were investigated. Using 300 ppm of linear chlorinated phosphazene acid, oligomers and copolymers containing an active Si-H bond and diethylsiloxane segment were prepared under mild conditions. The molecular weight of the obtained polymers was close to their designed values, but their PDI values were small. The highest yield of α, ω-bisdimethylsiloxyl-terminated PDES oligomers reached 93%. Using oligomers and copolymers containing Si-H bonds and diethylsiloxane segments as crosslinkers, a silicone gel containing diethylsiloxane segments was prepared by hydrosilylation reaction. With the introduction of a diethylsiloxane segment, the glass transition temperature of the silicone gel decreased relative to that of the PDMS oligomer, but the temperature at 5% weight loss in nitrogen atmosphere decreased from 347 °C to 312 °C. The mechanism of the ring-opening polymerization of hexaethylcyclotrisiloxane catalyzed by linear chlorinated phosphazene acid is also discussed.

Pentadecanoic Acid-Releasing PDMS: Towards a New Material to Prevent S. epidermidis Biofilm Formation

Microbial biofilm formation on medical devices paves the way for device-associated infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the most common strains involved in such infections as it is able to colonize numerous devices, such as intravenous catheters, prosthetic joints, and heart valves. We previously reported the antibiofilm activity against S. epidermidis of pentadecanoic acid (PDA) deposited by drop-casting on the silicon-based polymer poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS). This material exerted an antibiofilm activity by releasing PDA; however, a toxic effect on bacterial cells was observed, which could potentially favor the emergence of resistant strains. To develop a PDA-functionalized material for medical use and overcome the problem of toxicity, we produced PDA-doped PDMS by either spray-coating or PDA incorporation during PDMS polymerization. Furthermore, we created a strategy to assess the kinetics of PDA release using ADIFAB, a very sensitive free fatty acids fluorescent probe. Spray-coating resulted in the most promising strategy as the concentration of released PDA was in the range 0.8–1.5 μM over 21 days, ensuring long-term effectiveness of the antibiofilm molecule. Moreover, the new coated material resulted biocompatible when tested on immortalized human keratinocytes. Our results indicate that PDA spray-coated PDMS is a promising material for the production of medical devices endowed with antibiofilm activity.

High-voltage aqueous supercapacitors enabled by polysiloxane passivation coating-modified carbon cloth electrode

The voltage window plays a crucial role in determining the energy density of supercapacitors. The limited energy density of carbon-based supercapacitors poses a significant challenge to their widespread adoption. Here, we propose a novel approach to modify carbon cloth by implementing a polysiloxane (PSiO) passivation coating. This forms an ion-conductive and electron-insulating thin film on the surface, effectively impeding electron conduction from electrode surface to electrode/electrolyte interface and suppressing electrolyte electrolysis. Consequently, an expanded voltage window is realized, thereby enhancing the energy density of aqueous carbon-based supercapacitors. The carbon cloth electrode modified with the PSiO passivation coating (CC-A-KH560) exhibits exceptional electrochemical performance, with a significantly increased 78.6 % widened applicable potential range compared to the activated carbon cloth electrode (CC-A). In a two-electrode configuration, the voltage window is broadened from 0.8 V for CC-A to 1.4 V for CC-A-KH560, and the energy density based on CC-A-KH560 is 8 times that based on CC-A. The good stability and durability are also obtained for the firm C–O–Si bonds during PSiO modification. More importantly, this design provides a generic solution of PSiO passivation coating-modified carbon electrode, applicable for diversified silicane couple agents, to realize a high-voltage energy storage performance for aqueous supercapacitors.

Electrical Treeing Failure in Silicone Gel Under Positive Repetitive Square Voltage in High-Voltage IGBT Module Encapsulation

Electrical Treeing Failure in Silicone Gel Under Positive Repetitive Square Voltage in High-Voltage IGBT Module Encapsulation

High strength “breathable” glycosilicone/Aloe vera polysaccharide-based gel dressing for efficient wound repair

Medical wound dressings are effective in protecting wounds, maintaining moisture, creating an optimal healing environment and accelerating wound healing. However, their deficiencies in mechanical properties, adhesion and prevention of adhesion to the wound bed have been identified as limiting factors for their therapeutic efficacy in wound healing. To address these issues, we prepared glycosilicone gel dressings consisting of hydrophobic polysiloxanes and highly hydrophilic polysaccharides via ester exchange and silicone hydrogen addition reactions. Silicone gel dressings exhibit skin-like “respiratory” properties, with good permeability to O2 and CO2. Additionally, elongation and other important parameters are similar to those of the skin, which provides a foundation for the application of silicone gels in the field of wound dressings. The introduction of Aloe vera polysaccharide (AP) results in the glycosilicone gel exhibiting certain mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 0.35 MPa and an adhesion force of 10 N/m. Furthermore, a mouse model of total skin defect demonstrated that the wound healing rate of the mice on the 12th day was 98 %, which effectively promotes wound healing. Consequently, the glycosilicone gel is anticipated to be an optimal wound dressing.

Polysiloxane encapsulating strategy to enhance the high-temperature electromagnetic wave absorption performance of carbon-rich SiOC ceramics

Carbon-enriched polysiloxane-derived SiOC (C-SiOC) ceramics are promising electromagnetic wave absorption (EMA) materials. However, oxidation and impedance mismatch severely deteriorate their EMA performance at high temperatures. In this study, we used polysiloxane (PSO) to encapsulate the crosslinked precursor of C-SiOC ceramics. After pyrolysis, PSO-derived SiOC-encapsulated C-SiOC (here named PSO-C-SiOC) ceramics were obtained. The PSO-C-SiOC ceramics exhibit an improved oxidation resistance compared with C-SiOC ceramics and basically retain their original dielectric and EMA properties after exposure to air at high temperatures. Moreover, the ceramics can maintain excellent EMA properties at elevated temperatures with good impedance matching. The remarkable high-temperature EMA properties of PSO-C-SiOC ceramics in air are attributed to the protective outer-layer of PSO-derived SiOC ceramic, which enhances oxidation resistance and simultaneously controls the impedance matching. These findings underscore the potential of PSO-C-SiOC ceramics as high-temperature EMA materials.

Gas-Generation Mechanism of Silicone Gel in High-Temperature Thermal Decomposition for High-Voltage and High-Power Device Encapsulation

Gas-Generation Mechanism of Silicone Gel in High-Temperature Thermal Decomposition for High-Voltage and High-Power Device Encapsulation

Improved Electrically Insulating Properties of Modified Silicone Gel With Trifluoropropyl and Phenyl for IGBT Packaging

Improved Electrically Insulating Properties of Modified Silicone Gel With Trifluoropropyl and Phenyl for IGBT Packaging

Liquid Silicone Injections: An Infrequent Cause of CKD and Kidney Stones

Liquid Silicone Injections: An Infrequent Cause of CKD and Kidney Stones

Aminopropyltriethoxysilane-modified MXene for remarkably enhancing tracking resistance and flame retardancy of silicone rubber

The preparation of silicone rubber with excellent tracking resistance and flame retardancy is of great significance for application in high-voltage electrical insulation. Unfortunately, to date there lacks an effective strategy to simultaneously endow silicone rubber with satisfied tracking resistance and flame retardancy. In this work, aminopropyltriethoxysilane-modified MXene (APTES-MXene) was prepared by dehydrative condensation between the Si-OH in the hydrolyzed aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and the hydroxyl groups in MXene. The APTES-MXene was homogeneously dispersed in addition-cure liquid silicone rubber (ALSR). The effects of APTES-MXene on the tracking resistance and flame retardancy of ALSR were investigated. Incorporating 0.175 phr APTES-MXene and 15 ppm Pt catalyst enabled ALSR to pass 1A4.5 level, with a low erosion rate of only 0.29 %, indicating a significantly improved tracking resistance. Meanwhile, the 0.175 phr APTES-MXene also endowed ALSR a UL-94 V-0 rating and the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value reached 32.8 %. It was found that APTES-MXene and Pt catalyst synergistically promoted ALSR forming ceramic layer at elevated temperature. The mechanism for APTES-MXene improving the tracking resistance of ALSR was also proposed. This work provided new insights for high performance high-voltage insulation silicone rubber.

Confinement induced alteration in interfacial energy in aqueous surfactant systems

When a liquid is confined between two parallel plates, the pressure field at its bulk alters, because of the concave meniscus at the air-water interface. For an aqueous surfactant solution in contact with an oil, like an oil-in-water emulsion, this effect can alter the surfactant concentration at the interface of the two phases thereby changing the interfacial energy. Alteration of interfacial energy is expected to affect morphology of a complex system consisting of three immiscible phases. To verify this hypothesis a drop of crosslinkable silicone liquid was placed on a glass slide and was immobilized by partial crosslinking. An aqueous solution of surfactant, with SiO2 microspheres dispersed in it, was dispensed on this drop to create a liquid pool. It was then confined between two parallel plates to create a meniscus. Consequently, the particles got embedded at the oil-water interface to different extent, depending on the degree of confinement. Force balance along tangents to different interfaces showed that the interfacial energy of silicone-water (aqCTAB 0.3 mM) interface increases from 33.3 ± 0.5 mJ/m2 for an unconfined system to 45.4 ± 2.2 mJ/m2 for the confined one. This effect then elucidates how confinement alters complex emulsion morphologies in multiphase systems.

Impact of Encapsulated Phase Change Material Additives for Improved Thermal Performance of Silicone Gel Insulation

Abstract Passive cooling through phase change materials (PCM) creates beneficial complimentary cooling techniques aimed at providing thermal gradient mitigation during device operation without additional power requirements. These have been well studied but are difficult to implement due to complications concerning effective enclosure of the liquid phase. Encapsulated PCM particles can be embedded in other materials to form composites with form stable solid–liquid phase transitions. This study characterizes a new composite of silicone gel and encapsulated phase change materials (ePCMs) for use as an encapsulant. The ePCMs contain a paraffin core and titania shell resulting in a self-contained solid–liquid phase transition producing an average of 132.9 J/g of latent heat capacity. The gel composites gain latent heat capacity as a linear function of ePCM concentration by weight. The 30% ePCM sample contains 41.0 J/g of latent heat capacity, approximately 30% of ePCM control samples. The specific heat capacity of the silicone gel without ePCMs is 1.539 J/g-° C and 2.825 J/g-° C for the ePCM particles. As the ePCM concentration increases, the specific heat capacity is increased toward the highest value of the pure ePCMs across all temperature ranges. The coefficient of thermal expansion of the composites is increased with ePCM concentration up to a maximum of 96% in the 20% ePCM concentration. The elastic modulus remains relatively constant across ePCM concentrations and temperatures. In the needle–needle breakdown voltage testing the 20% sample has a 6 kV/mm reduction in dielectric strength and higher than 20% ePCM samples show increased variability in strength due to the dispersed particles. Overall, the results from these material characterizations demonstrate the promise of dielectric composites containing ePCM particles to add passive cooling capability into electronics devices without complex structures.

Degradation induced by charge relaxation in silicone gels under the ultra‐fast pulsed electric field

AbstractThe insulating properties of silicone gel used for silicon carbide‐insulated gate bipolar transistors encapsulation may deteriorate seriously under ultra‐fast pulsed electric fields. The essence of insulation degradation lies in the deterioration of materials caused by dynamic phenomena at microscopic scale, such as charge trapping and detrapping. Different from the steady‐state operating condition, insulating materials exhibit a sharp decrease in their insulating properties when subjected to a rapidly changing electric field. To investigate the insulation failure of silicone gel materials under an ultra‐fast pulsed electric field, Marcus hopping mechanism for charge response is proposed. By calculating the relaxation time with different defects, we characterise the degradation of the materials. According to the force analysis of space charge, the authors establish a relationship between insulation failures and charge relaxation time. Combined with the experimental results on electrical treeing in silicone gel, the feasibility of the theory is verified. The experimental phenomenon can be well explained, that is, the initial voltage of the electrical trees decreased sharply with shortening the edge time of the pulsed electric field, especially on the nanosecond time scale.