Electric-field response of the structure and rheological property of silicone/polyether blends

The ER effects were studied for various immiscible blends composed of urethane-modified polyethers and silicones. Some polyethers and silicones were prepared from polypropylene glycol (PPG) and modified poly(dimethyl siloxane) having terminal hydroxyl groups, respectively. The influence of blend composition on the ER effects were examined for some binary and ternary blends based on these materials. The ER effects of these blends varied with the modification of polyethers and silicones, and also with the blend composition. In particular, the response of viscosity on applying or removing an electric field was found to vary with the blend composition, which should reflect some time-dependent change in the phase structure during the application and removal of the electric field. The variety of field response are discussed on the basis of the miscibility of the blend components.