Assessment of the Physical, Mechanical, and Tribological Properties of PDMS Thin Films Based on Different Curing Conditions

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a silicone-based elastomeric polymer, is generally cured by applying heat to a mixture of a PDMS base and crosslinking agent, and its material properties differ according to the mixing ratio and heating conditions. In this study, we analyzed the effects of different curing processes on the various properties of PDMS thin films prepared by mixing a PDMS solution comprising a PDMS base and a crosslinking agent in a ratio of 10:1. The PDMS thin films were cured using three heat transfer methods: convection heat transfer using an oven, conduction heat transfer using a hotplate, and conduction heat transfer using an ultrasonic device that generates heat internally from ultrasonic vibrations. The physical, chemical, mechanical, and tribological properties of the PDMS thin films were assessed after curing. The polymer chains in the PDMS thin films varied according to the heat transfer method, which resulted in changes in the mechanical and tribological properties. The ultrasonicated PDMS thin film exhibited the highest crystallinity, and hence, the best mechanical, friction, and wear properties.