Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a silicone polymer with a wide range of applications, from cosmetics to industrial lubrication. It is optically clear, inert, non-toxic, and non-flammable. Some of the key properties and applications of PDMS include:
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Rheological properties: PDMS is particularly known for its unusual flow properties.
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Biomedical engineering: PDMS is an elastomeric polymer with excellent optical, electrical, and mechanical properties, making it well-suited for biomedical applications such as microfluidic chips and cardiovascular flow replication.
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Microfluidics: PDMS is widely used for the fabrication and prototyping of microfluidic chips due to its mineral-organic polymer structure, tight bonding to glass, and simple plasma treatment.
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Other applications: PDMS is also present in shampoos (as it makes hair shiny and slippery), food (as an antifoaming agent), caulk, lubricants, heat-resistant tiles, and even Silly Putty.
It is worth noting that PDMS ages, and its mechanical properties can change after a few years. It is also permeable to water vapor, which can make evaporation in microfluidic devices hard to control.
