Fabrication and Characterization of Polydimethylsiloxane Sponge with Photothermal Response

Abstract

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) has attracted attention as a lightweight polymer for thermal management applications because its interconnected porous architecture can effectively regulate heat transfer. In this study, we employ a sugar-template method to prepare the PDMS sponge. Morphological and chemical characterizations confirmed that the porous network formed successfully without modifying the chemical composition of PDMS. Under sunlight irradiation, the PDMS sponge exhibited a measurable increase in surface temperature, indicating its thermal response associated with the porous architecture. The porous architecture could influence light propagation and heat dissipation within the sponge, potentially contributing to the observed thermal response. Although the temperature increase was moderate, the results provide a preliminary view of the thermal response of porous PDMS under sunlight irradiation. The proposed method offers an economical and straightforward alternative for developing porous polymer materials with potential thermal functionality, supporting affordable and clean energy initiatives under Sustainable Development Goal 7.