Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

6239

Date

2018

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Physics

Concentration

Materials Science

Committee Chair

Firouzeh Sabri

Committee Member

Muhammad Jahan

Committee Member

Xiao Shen

Abstract

Elastomers of the polydimethylsiloxane family are paramount to science and engineering due to their useful properties. Much work has gone into characterizing these polymers to optimize their performance. However, at this time there is little published literature dedicated to understanding and controlling its frictional behavior.In this study, Sylgard was characterized as a function of crosslinker ratio and curing temperature, then coated with Silastic using two different techniques resulting in a bilayer. The bilayer was characterized both in bulk and surface properties, and those results compared between techniques and uncoated Sylgard.It was demonstrated that spin coating can produce a well-bonded topcoat that possesses significantly lower frictional force than that of Sylgard alone at ambient and cryogenic temperatures. Changes in other properties were also quantified. This technique of PDMS surface modification may reduce the need of lubricants in mobile joints and extend component lifetime by shielding it from friction wear.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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