Influences of heating temperature on mechanical properties of polydimethylsiloxane

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has been widely used for fabrication of various microsystems. Heating is normally used in the fabrication process including curing and bonding, as well as operations like thermopneumatic actuation of PDMS. We report here the influences of heating temperature on mechanical properties (Young's modulus and ultimate tensile stress) of PDMS. Results have shown that for low temperatures, the mechanical properties are independent of heating time. Higher heating temperatures produce lower mechanical strength. The reduced mechanical strength is attributed to the thermal decomposition which starts at about 200 °C and reaches a peak at 310 °C.