Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is used as a barrier to liquids and a permeable path for gaseous elements and compounds.
Applications for PDMS membranes include laboratory products and medical devices such as catheters, implants, valves, gaskets, and thin silicone films. Interstate Specialty Products supplies PDMS in sheets, and can die cut PDMS membranes into gas permeable filters.
Advantages of PDMS
Interstate Specialty Products sources translucent PDMS that is FDA CFR 177.2600 and USP Class VI compliant, odor free, and produced using a platinum cure catalyst system. Unlike peroxide-cured silicones, there’s no outgassing or catalyst byproduct with these ultra-thin silicones. PDMS can be combined with other compounds to form composite materials, and exhibits distinctive flow properties.
PDMS is recommended for laboratory experiments and medical research that requires a gas permeable / liquid impermeable membrane. PDMS membranes are often used in gas sensing equipment and devices, and to meet application requirements for a very thin silicone gasket or seal made from an FDA or USP grade material.
PDMS Membrane Specs
With many common gases, polydimethyl silicone membranes are more than 30 times more permeable than non-silicone stable polymers. These ultra-thin silicones are supplied as sheets or continuous rolls with a thin release layer. Standard thicknesses range from .005” to .040” with a tolerance of plus or minus .002”.
We have the following thicknesses of PDMS membrane available for quote:
- 0.005″
- 0.008″
- 0.010″
- 0.014″
- 0.017″
- 0.024″
- 0.040″
These materials are sold by the linear foot, with a 3′ minimum combined purchase.
This table lists technical data with typical values. Custom thicknesses and durometers (Shore A) are available with minimum order quantities.
This table provides gas permeability rates, applications, and PDMS membrane thicknesses.
| Order | Gas Permeability Rates* | Applications | Membrane Thickness A | Membrane Thickness B | Style Number |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oxygen: 50 | Gas Analysis | 0.003” | 0.004” | SSPM823-005 |
| 2 | Carbon Dioxide: 270 | Gas Detection | 0.006” | 0.008” | SSPM823-008 |
| 3 | Nitrogen: 25 | Gas Enrichment | 0.010” | 0.012” | SSPM823- 010 |
| 4 | Hydrogen : 55 | Gas Separation | 0.014” | 0.017” | SSPM823- 014 |
| 5 | Cell Growth Support | 0.024” | 0.040” | SSPM823-024 and SSPM823-040 |
*In 10-9 (cc gas(RTP)cm)/(sec cm2 cmHg DP)
Platinum Cured PDMS Rolls
Platinum cured PDMS rolls can be used in applications other than gas separation. They share the technical data from the first table above, and are available in thicknesses ranging from .005” to .188”. As continuous rolls, they can be slit to custom widths between 3 and 12 inches wide.
For any questions about PDMS membranes and how these ultra-thin silicones can support your application, contact us on-line or call (800) 984-1811.
