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In this work, we refer to the fraction of hydrides and vinyl groups consumed in cross‐linking reaction as a variation of the properties of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) with varying the formulation of a curing agent from 3.2 wt % to 50 wt %. Young's modulus, density, and refractive indices of PDMS were observed to have a maxima at a formulation of about 10 wt % of cross linker. The intensity of the Raman band for the SiH stretching mode in cross‐linker is almost zero if the cross‐linking agent is less than 10 wt %, but it is linearly increasing with increasing the content of cross‐linker. The dependence of the elastic modulus on the formulation could be explained in terms of the fraction of cross‐linked network. The analytical framework proposed in this work could be used for optimizing the formulation of PDMS and hence its properties can be tailored for specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the many types of wasted energy around us, mechanical energy has been considered to have a considerable amount of potential to be scavenged due to its abundance and ubiquity in our lives. To convert ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy efficiently, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has been intensively studied. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), due to its superior mechanical and electrical properties, has commonly been selected as a friction layer in TENGs. Herein, it is newly discovered that the output power of a fabricated TENG is highly correlated with the Young's modulus of PDMS. An enhancement of the output power is achieved by the optimization of the PDMS mixture ratio. In addition, to improve the output power of the TENG further, a well-ordered microstructure was directly created on the surface of the PDMS by means of ultrafast laser irradiation. Direct patterning to create the surface morphology on the PDMS surface with the aid of laser irradiation is more efficient than conventional surface modification techniques such as replication and a few microfabrication steps. Compared to a control TENG using bare PDMS, an increase in the output power of more than twofold is achieved by an experimental TENG using patterned PDMS with a laser power of 29 mW. The TENG utilizing the patterned PDMS achieves a maximum output power density level of 107.3 μW/cm 2 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Given that clinical significance of intraocular pressure (IOP), accurate IOP measurements are crucial. However, measurement of IOP is affected by corneal properties such as thickness, curvature, and biomechanical properties. To derive the quantitative relationship between corneal variables and IOP, it is valuable to create a theoretical model that represents these various properties of the cornea. We have constructed optically transparent artificial eye phantoms, which have closely similar to a human eye. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical applicability of artificial eye by understanding and quantifying the IOP measurement. Method: The artificial model eye has made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and its inside is filled with glycerol solution. We developed three different shapes of model eye to reflect the variation in corneal diameter and radius of curvature. Corneal properties (i.e., elasticity) were varied according to the formulation of PDMS (Young's modulus: 1.7 MPa, 0.7 Mpa, and 0.4 MPa) and corneal thickness was differed by varying the concentration of ethylene glycol. The effect of each variable on the measurement of IOP was examined quantitatively using Goldmann applanation tonometry. Results: The IOP of the model eye showed significant positive correlation with corneal thickness in all shapes of model eye (all p < 0.001). The range of the IOP changed according to Young's modulus of model eye. (12–80 mmHg, 1–80 mmHg, and 1–32 mmHg in model eyes with 1.7 MPa, 0.7 MPa, and 0.4 MPa, respectively). Relationship between the IOP and thickness differed depending on the Young's modulus of the model eye. Conclusions: The IOP of the developed artificial eyeball was successfully measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer in a similar manner to a real human eye. This finding suggests that the artificial model eye may have a value as an independent, reproducible sample that allows comparison of tonometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]