College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-08 17:14:04
Major
Chemical Engineering
Honors Course
CHEE:497
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2023
Abstract
The purpose of this project was to determine how the polymeric structure and mechanical properties of this elastomer are affected by the ratio between the polydimethylsiloxane macromolecular chains and the crosslinkers. These were determined via tensile and compression testing. Then, spiropyran was added to observe how this fluorescence and crosslinking agent affected the elastomer. Also, the elastomer’s fluorescent and icephobic nature were tested. The elastomers with a higher ratio of crosslinker to macromolecular chain could withstand higher tensile and compressive strains but failed at lower stresses than their counterparts with lower concentrations of crosslinkers. The elastomers were also found to have significantly less surface interactions with water than the hydrogel. Regarding possible applications of SP-PDMS elastomer, its ability to continuously absorb UV rays and maintain its transparency means it could be used in transition sunglasses or as a windshield coating to protect users from harmful radiation. Its hydrophobic properties further lend it to the application as a windshield coating as the elastomer coating would mitigate ice accumulation in winter months and any accumulation would be easier to remove.
Research Sponsor
Jie Zheng
First Reader
Bi-min Zhang Newby
Second Reader
Roya Gitiafroz
Honors Faculty Advisor
Donald Visco Jr.
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Recommended Citation
Wyant, Jacob, "Structural Design and Application of Polymeric Silicon Elastomers" (2023). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1714.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1714