A novel method for preparing bimodal elastomeric networks

Hydroxyl-terminated chains of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) were end linked with a trifunctional silane containing 3-aminopropyl groups. CuCl2 or CoCl2 added to the networks forms complexes with the amino groups on the cross links, thus introducing additional chains that are very short. The resulting PDMS networks are in this sense bimodal, and were found to have increased values of the ultimate strength. © 1985 Springer-Verlag.