Synthesis,structure, and properties of hybrid organic–inorganic composites based on polysiloxanes. I. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) elastomers containing silica

Various synthetic protocols were used to prepare several classes of polysiloxane–silica filler systems. The structures of these fillers and their interactions with the polysiloxane matrices were studied using small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering. In addition, the mechanical properties of the composites were characterized using equilibrium stress–strain isotherms in elongation. The results indicated that manipulation of the chemical reactions used to generate the filler can lead to a wide range of complex structures and unusual properties. Some of the observed mechanical properties were correlated with information on the composite structures and on elastomer–filler interactions. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 36: 1167–1189, 1998