Preparation of interpenetrating polymer networks of epoxy/polydimethylsiloxane in a common solvent of the precursors

Epoxy/polydimethylsiloxane interpenetrating polymer networks (epoxy/PDMS IPNs) were prepared via simultaneous approach in toluene, which was a common solvent of the epoxy resin and PDMS. Broadened and displaced glass transitions for the segments of epoxy resin revealed a three-dimensional interlock structure of the two components. The morphology of the IPNs was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), which confirmed that the domains of both components were at a nanometer level. The transparent appearance of the products also suggested the generation of the expected IPNs structure.