Comparison of dielectric properties of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) grafted polyacrylates/nano alumina and nano silica composites

Polydimethylsiloxane possess very poor mechanical properties. However, typically the initial modulus and durability of material is low and to improve this aspect a reinforcement phase is required. For the composite to be effective the filler must be with large aspect ratio i.e. with large surface area to volume ratio. Nano alumina (Al₂O₃) and nano silica (SiO₂) are materials of choice for nanocomposite design. Grafted Polydimethylsiloxane (G-PDMS) and nano alumina and nano Silica composites have been prepared, by solvent casting method. FTIR study reveals that there is bonding overlap in G-PDMS/SiO₂ nano composites. In dielectric study, it is observed that G-PDMS/SiO₂ nano composites were more conducting in nature than G-PDMS/ Al₂O₃ nano composites. G-PDMS/ Al₂O₃ nano composites showed enhanced dielectric constant and less loss of energy than G-PDMS/SiO₂ nano composites.