A comprehensive review on synthesis, characterization, and applications of polydimethylsiloxane and copolymers.

Polydimethylsiloxane belongs to a polymeric organosilicon compounds that is widely used as silicon-based organic polymer. Polydimethylsiloxane is a basically optically clear, inert, nontoxic and inflammable material which is widely used in medical devices, as an elastomer, antifoaming agent, heat-resistant lubricants, fire retardants, in cosmetics and for other valuable domestic applications. This comprehensive review of polydimethylsiloxane describes synthesis, characterization, surface modifications and formation of vital biodegradable films/membranes that can facilitate improvements in modern research. Polydimethylsiloxane is viscoelastic, hydrophobic, cytocompatible and herbicidal penetrant that provides water-repellent coatings in textile industry. In this study, copolymers of polydimethylsiloxane were thoroughly studied based on polyimides, carboxyesters, hydroxyethyleneoxide, degradation with polystyrene, cross-linking with block copolymers, phosphorus-based, gelatin-based and polyurethanes, which can be used for modern manufacturing purposes in all kinds of industrial world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]