Monolithic PDMS Laminates for Dielectric Elastomer Transducers through Open-Air Plasma Treatment

<p>This study investigates the use of an open-air plasma treatment system for the surface modification of polydimethylsiloxane, to improve layer-to-layer adhesion. The procedure presented herein is more cost-efficient compared to conventional vacuum-based plasma treatment, and it is performed at different speeds and distances away from the nozzle, to investigate how these two parameters influence the resulting interfacial layer of two fully cured polydimethylsiloxane films. The plasma treatment is determined to not alter mechanical properties as compared to the single film, while peel forces are sufficient to avoid delamination during operation.