Compressive Properties of Poly (Dimethylsiloxane)–Hollow Glass Microballoons Syntactic Foams. Issue 6 (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Upadhyay, Alok; Ullas, AV
• Is Part Of: Cellular polymers. Volume 41:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 251
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Polymer syntactic foam -- poly (dimethylsiloxane) -- composites -- compression -- mechanical properties; Plastic foams -- Periodicals; Foam rubber -- Periodicals; 620.192
• DOI: 10.1177/02624893221123391
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0262-4893

Abstract

Polymer syntactic foams are lightweight polymer composites that are prepared by introducing hollow microspheres in a resin. The main endeavour is to obtain a significant reduction in the weight of the composite along with energy absorption. The present investigation aims to prepare poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-hollow glass microballoons (HGM) (40–60% v/v) syntactic foams. Not only did HGM reduce the density of the syntactic foams but also act as a reinforcing phase and increase the compressive properties of PDMS. A ∼25% reduction in density was obtained in syntactic foam when compared to the neat elastomer. Similarly, an improvement of ∼118% in compressive strength was attained at 40% loading of HGM in PDMS. Specific compressive strength and toughness values also registered improvements of the order of ∼191 and ∼240% respectively which highlight the potential of PDMS syntactic foams in varied applications. Graphical Abstract