Electrospinning Thin Films of Stretchable and Self-Healing PDMS

Recent advancements in space technology have prompted the exploration of extended human missions to celestial bodies like the Moon and Mars, posing new challenges in terms of material durability and reliability in harsh space environments. The study focuses on fabrication of the thin films of self-healing poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS) employing electrospinning. Electrospinning is a promising technique that allows precise control over the properties of the spun material. The paper presents comprehensive research results, including thickness assessments, self-healing tests, and stretch tests on samples spun for different durations. Results indicate that thicker samples 201.2 µm tend to exhibit superior self-healing capabilities 35 % in three hours and 60 % healing after 95 hours at room temperature, with a linear relationship between spin duration and thickness. These findings offer valuable insights into the practical applications of self-healing materials in space technology, opening new avenues for the development of robust and reliable spacecraft components, and potential applications in aerospace and healthcare sectors.