Structure–Property Relationships Of Polysiloxane Networks Containing Linear, Cyclic, And Tetrakis Units

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

4-14-2026

School

Polymer Science and Engineering

Abstract

Polysiloxanes are a highly relevant family of polymers capable of producing glassy networks with excellent thermal stability; however, studies on the impact of backbone substitution are limited. Formulations comprising cyclic and linear polysiloxanes were prepared, and cross-linked polymer networks were subsequently formed via hydrosilylation. Optically transparent networks with varying degrees of rigidity were obtained, and the effects of the cyclic-to-linear ratio on the physical properties of the resulting networks were investigated. We demonstrate the preparation of cross-linked polysiloxanes and report thermal stability and transitions, thermal expansion behavior, and mechanical properties. Char yields ranged from 45.7 to 85.0% in nitrogen with no significant reductions under air, indicating the potential for high-temperature applications. Mechanical testing revealed that the incorporation of linear siloxane segments increased network flexibility, while cyclic siloxane structures resulted in rigid networks with lower thermal expansion. These results establish a direct relationship between siloxane precursor structure and the thermomechanical properties of cross-linked polysiloxane networks, providing insight into the design of polymer materials with tunable mechanical and thermal performance.

Publication Title

ACS Omega

Volume

11

Issue

14

First Page

22262

Last Page

22267

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