Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Term:Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
Category: Substrates
Definition: PDMS is a synthetic polymer. It is flexible, transparent, and nontoxic. PDMS has a natural hydrophobic surface, therefore its surface is treated to make it suitable for hydrophilic coating. PDMS is also frequently utilized as a coating on medical instruments to add flexibility and waterproofing to the instruments.
Structure: It’s a chain of silicon and oxygen atoms (–Si–O–Si–O–) with two methyl groups (–CH₃) on each silicon, forming a flexible network when linked together.
Source: Made from dimethylsiloxane monomers through a process involving hydrolysis and polymerization of chlorosilanes.
Common Uses:
- Microfluidic chips
- Soft medical implants
- Catheters
- Wound dressings
- Wearable sensors
- Lab-on-chip devices
Related Content and Resources:
Hydrophilic Coating Polymers and Chemistries: Complete Guide
