Synthesis, structure, and properties of poly(dimethylsiloxane) networks reinforced by in situ‐precipitated silica–titania, silica–zirconia, and silica–alumina mixed oxides

Abstract

Several novel fillers, specifically silica–titania, silica–zirconia, and silica–alumina mixed oxides, have been successfully precipitated into poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) networks using a sol‐gel approach. The resulting filled networks were found to have very good mechanical properties. In comparison with networks filled only with silica, these materials had good extensibilities as well as high strengths. Filler particle diameters were generally several hundred angstroms, but were found to decrease with increase in crosslink density of the networks. The distributions of particle size were relatively narrow, and there was very little particle aggregation. The presence of in situ silica–titania and silica–zirconia mixed oxides can also increase the onset temperature for degradation of the PDMS. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.