Additive Manufacturing of UV Cured Dual-Network Silicone Elastomer with 3D Multifunctional Structure

UV-curable silicone rubber exhibits promising prospects in fields such as flexible electronics and advanced coatings due to its high processing efficiency and patternability. This study developed a synergistic crosslinking strategy that combines Michael addition and UV curing to prepare high-performance dual network silicone rubber and achieve curing within seconds. The system comprised key components: trifluoropropyl-grafted acrylic silicone resin (PAT-SR), pentaerythritol tetraacrylate (PET4A), and aminopropyl silicone oil (ASO). Initially, the primary amine groups of ASO underwent a catalyst-free Michael addition with the acrylate groups in PAT-SR and PET4A, forming a malleable, partially cross-linked prepolymer. Subsequently, the material was cured within seconds via free radical polymerization of the residual acrylate groups upon UV irradiation. The trifluoropropyl group imparted outstanding hydrophobicity and chemical resistance to the material. PET4A, acting as a rigid cross-linking center, significantly enhanced the mechanical strength; the sample ASO 0.7 /PA 0.4 -FSR achieved a tensile strength of 0.92 MPa and an elongation at break of 612%. Furthermore, the material demonstrated good interfacial compatibility with various functional fillers. This research provides a simple and efficient novel strategy for preparing high-performance dual-network silicone rubber materials that combine excellent comprehensive properties with high processability, holding broad application potential in areas such as anti-fouling, protective coatings, and flexible electronics.