Interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) represent an interesting approach for tuning the properties of silicone elastomers due to the possible synergism that may occur between the networks. A new approach is presented, which consists of mixing two silicone-based networks with different crosslinking pathways; the first network being cured by condensation route and the second network by UV curing. The networks were mixed in different ratios and the resulted samples yield good mechanical properties (improved elongations, up to 720%, and Young's modulus, 1 MPa), thermal properties (one glass transition temperature, ~-123 °C), good dielectric strength (~50 V/μm), and toughness (63 kJ/m3).
Keywords: dielectric elastomer transducers; interpenetrating polymer networks; silicone elastomers; wave energy harvesting.