A review of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge fabrication methods and an introduction to its key properties
Subject Areas :
Navid Alipour
1
,
Ali Reza Kiasat
2
*
,
roya mirzAJANI
3
1 - Department of Chemistry, Shahid Chamran university
2 -
3 - Department of Chemistry, Shahid Chamran university
Keywords: Sponge, Polydimethylsiloxane, Porous PDMS sponges,
Abstract :
Porous Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponges have emerged as key materials in industrial and medical fields due to their unparalleled and unique combination of outstanding physical and chemical properties. These materials, owing to their distinctive capabilities, have garnered significant attention in innovative applications such as tissue engineering, microfluidic systems, sensors, absorbents, and biocompatible medical devices. This article delves into the review and analysis of various methods for fabricating porous PDMS sponges. The techniques discussed encompass hard templating, emulsion methods, gas foaming, evaporation-induced phase separation (EIPS), and 3D printing. For each methodology, the pore formation mechanisms and their effects on the sponge's morphology, pore size, and final properties are explained in detail. Furthermore, the inherent and prominent characteristics of PDMS sponges, including hydrophobicity, very low density, exceptional flexibility, high chemical and thermal stability, favorable biocompatibility, optical transparency, and low light absorption, are introduced. The scientific and fundamental reasons behind each of these properties are elucidated, referencing the molecular structure and chemical nature of PDMS. This article clearly demonstrates that the judicious selection of fabrication methods, alongside the optimal utilization of PDMS's unique intrinsic properties, plays a decisive role in achieving the optimal and specific performance of these sponges for their intended applications, thereby paving the way for the development of more advanced materials.
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