Preparation of Mussel-Inspired Elastomers and Application for Sports

Abstract

Cross-linked silicones are known as biocompatible elastomer, but further improvement of mechanical strength and stretch-ability like mussels are required for application as sports supporters. Although addition of fillers including silica particles are widely attempted for increment of strength of silicone elastomers, the breaking at interfaces between silicone matrix and fillers decreases stretch-ability. These silicones are cross-liked by metal catalysts often inducing allergenic reactions, and not suitable for sports supporters attached directly to skins. In this study, silicone elastomer is prepared by hyper-branched cross-linker without any metal catalyst. Further, the breaking mechanism of the prepared silicone elastomer is characterized by solid-state proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) measurements. The former technique evaluates the molecular motion whereas the latter distinguishes the stiffness of different components. In-situ analyses combined with 1H-NMR and SPM techniques during uniaxial deformation reveal that the aggregation of cross-linked components induces the breaking at the higher strain.