Chain Dimensions in Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethyl Siloxane)

Published

October 1, 2000

Author(s)

A Nakatani, W Chen, R G. Schmidt, G V. Gordon, Charles C. Han

Abstract

We present experimental results on the single chain dimensions of isotopic blends (both mismatched and matched molecular masses) of poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) containing trimethylsilyl-treated polysilicate particles (fillers) and compare these results with Monte Carlo calculations. For polymer chains which are approximately the same size as the filler particle, a decrease in chain dimensions is observed relative to the unfilled chain dimensions. For larger chains, at low filler concentrations, an increase in chain dimensions relative to the unfilled chain dimensions is observed. Both results are in agreement with Monte Carlo predictions. However, at even higher filler contents, which are beyond the scope of the Monte Carlo predictions, the chain dimensions reach a maximum value before decreasing to values which are still larger than the unfilled chain dimensions. A simple excluded volume model is proposed which accounts for these observations at higher filler content.

Citation

Macromolecules

Volume

42

Issue

No. 8

Pub Type

Journals

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Keywords

filled polymers, poly(dimethyl siloxane), polysilicate fillers, radius of gyration, second virial coefficient, small angle neutron scattering

Citation

Nakatani, A. , Chen, W. , Schmidt, R. , Gordon, G. and Han, C. (2000), Chain Dimensions in Polysilicate-Filled Poly(Dimethyl Siloxane), Macromolecules, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=851533 (Accessed October 18, 2025)