Fabrication of porous PDMS sponges using spontaneously self-removing sacrificial templates
Publication Name
MRS Advances
Abstract
Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) sponges are an emergent technology, garnering much attention in recent years due to their unique mechanical properties, high surface area and hydrophobicity/oleophilicity. In this work, a hydroscopic calcium chloride hard template is used to prepare a PDMS sponge in 6 h, faster than previously reported template removal methods. Furthermore, the unique deliquescent properties of the calcium chloride are harnessed to provide a spontaneously self-removing sacrificial template within 4 days. The resultant PDMS sponges displayed excellent mechanical robustness, exhibiting maximum tensile and compressive stress values of 110 ± 20 kPa and 2.8 ± 0.1 MPa, respectively. Graphical abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access
Funding Sponsor
University of Wollongong