Preparation of poly(dimethylsiloxane)-based materials for laser-induced graphenization

Abstract

Laser induced graphenization (LIG) of polymer materials has recognized as the most promising method for fabrication of flexible electronic devices. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is suitable elastomeric materials for flexible electronics devices fabrication due to outstanding mechanical and optical properties. Namely, the low carbon content and the lacking aromatic structures in PDMS material limit the graphenization process resulting in limited conduction properties. The aim of this study was the graphenization of PDMS and PDMS-based materials by CO2 laser radiation. We prepared pure PDMS elastomer, PDMS/ethylene glycol and PDMS/Triton composite materials by using 20 wt. % of ethylene glycol or Triton in PDMS matrix. Indeed, up to now the evidence of graphenization of these PDMS-based materials has never been observed. PDMS elastomer was prepared by hydrosilylation reaction, while composite materials by blending method. The prepared PDMS-based materials were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Raman spectroscopy. The obtained results showed that surfaces of pure PDMS elastomer and PDMS/ethylene glycol composite cannot be graphenized by direct laser writing. However, by adding Triton as aromatic and carbon sources into the PDMS matrix it is possible to improve the graphenization of PDMS based materials and this material is good candidate for fabrication of flexible electrodes.