Dynamic mechanical properties of networks prepared from siloxane modified divinyl benzene pre-polymers

Pre-polymers prepared by modifying divinyl benzene by introducing dimethyl siloxane units of different chain lengths were polymerised with divinyl ben zene using free radical initiators. The dynamic mechanical properties of th e resulting networks were studied. The DMA curves were interpreted based on the reaction mechanism obtained using FT-NIR and ESR spectra. The peak wid ths of the loss modulus and tan delta curves were interpreted considering t he crosslinking reactions in the pre-polymer/divinyl benzene mixtures and m icro gelation resulting from the crosslinking. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.