Mechanical Performance of PDMS Nanocomposites

In order to explore the interrelation of nanocomposite structure with materials performance, characterization with different techniques was carried out. Durometer hardness (Shore A) data, as a function of nanoparticle loadings, are presented in Table 17.5. Montmorillonite nanoparticles, and especially that of Cloisite 20A, are more efficient for 

The incorporation of both montomoriUonites is well as silica nanoparticles, results in m increcise of the modulus of elasticity. Cloisite 20A ncuiocomposites show higher modulus in comparison with that of systems containing Cloisite 30B. 

From Table 17.6 it can also be observed that the incorporation of aU the examined ncuiopcutides incrccises the elongation at break of the prepared ncuiocomposites. 

From the obtained results it can be concluded that organoclays presented higher reinforcing efficiency in comparison with sihca hybrids, especially at low clay loadings. The reinforcing effect of hydroxyapatite is very limited and its nanocomposites presented similar performance with pure PDMS samples. Proper dispersion of HA filler into the polymer matrix is the critical parameter controlling the mechanical performance of the prepared hybrids. 

Tear resistance is another critical property adequate to allow prediction of the performance of sihcone elastomers in biomedical applications, where similar types of loadings 

---