I am preparing an end-linked PDMS sample using vinyl-terminated PDMS , crosslinking agent, catalyst and silica filler. After mixing by hand, the mixture is processed into sheets. Though the undeformed sheet appears to be clear, when I stretch it, the surface becomes rough and the inhomogeneity is noticed. It is probably due to the insufficient dispersion of the silica filler. Is there any easy (hopefully costless) method to improve the dispersion of the silica filler?
It is very difficult to homogenously disperse filler in PDMS by hand especially if the conentration of the filler is greater. So I will suggest that if you have access to a mixer such as z -blade mixer or brabender mixer etc. that will minise your problems. More over the order of mixing of ingredient by hand is important. First you should mix the filler and other additives and at the end then crosslinker/catalyst. Are you sure that you are using the right filler? Because there are a number fillers and some are more compatable for mixing with some PDMS than others.
Gul Bali Shah
Depending on the viscosity of your raw materials a Speedmixer (Hauschild, Germany) could be hepful.
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