Title: The characterisation of surface treated silica-filled and non-filled polydimethylsiloxane films

Authors: Michael J. Joyce; Paul D. Fleming III; Alexandra Pekarovicova

Addresses: Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, Western Michigan University, USA ' Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, Western Michigan University, USA ' Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, Western Michigan University, USA

Abstract: In this work, various methods to enable tailoring of polydimethylsiloxane film surfaces are implemented and compared to determine their influence on surface energy and roughness. Films were prepared containing various levels of hydrophilic silica filler. Ultraviolet-ozone, and Piranha solution treatments were also implemented and characterised. Lastly, the combination of both silica filler and treatments were utilised and characterised to understand interactive effects. Influence of filler loading, and surface treatment on roughness, and surface energy of films was determined. Regardless of surface treatment, addition of silica significantly influences total surface energy. Addition of silica influenced total surface energy of the films by itself, and in combination with the Piranha and UV-ozone treatments. The lowest surface energy was that of the control Polydimethylsiloxane film 21.5 N/m. The overall highest surface energy achieved was that of the 10% filled 30-minute Piranha solution treated sample, having a surface energy of 44.1 N/m.

Keywords: polydimethylsiloxane; PDMS; surface treatments; UV-ozone; Piranha solution; surface energy; medical devices; wettability; silica-fill; ANOVA; biocompatible.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSURFSE.2017.084659

International Journal of Surface Science and Engineering, 2017 Vol.11 No.2, pp.133 - 147

Received: 27 Oct 2015
Accepted: 05 Mar 2016
Published online: 20 Jun 2017 *

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