Silicone-based polymer blends: Enhancing properties through compatibilization

Abstract

Polymer blending is a cost-effective way to control the properties of soft materials, but the propensity for blends to macrophase separate motivates the development of efficient compatibilization strategies. Across this broad area, compatibilization is particularly important for polysiloxanes, which exhibit strong repulsive interactions with most organic polymers. This review analyzes state-of-the-art polysiloxane compatibilization strategies for silicone-organic polymer blends. Emphasis is placed on chemical innovation in the design of compatibilization agents that may expedite the commercialization of new silicone-organic materials. We anticipate that hybrid silicone blends will continue to play an important role in fundamental and applied materials science across industry and academia.