Cyclosiloxane‐based networks: Synthesis,thermal characterization,and microstructure

This article mainly concerns the synthesis of novel PD₅/PDMS conetworks by the copolymerization of cyclic D₅H and linear HO? PDMS? OH units, and the characterization of the product by DMTA, DSC, and TGA. The ultimate properties of the conetworks may be controlled by varying the relative composition of D₅H and PDMS components. DMTA and DSC thermograms indicate compatibility between the PD₅ and PDMS domains. Understanding of the polymer chemical transformations involved in conetwork formation combined with an analysis of DMTA and DSC thermograms led to a proposition of the microarchitecture of PD₅/PDMS conetworks. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 630–637, 2005