Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) based soft polymer optical fibers (POFs) have recently demonstrated their intriguing potential for different sensing applications like strain or temperature sensing. Recent studies have elaborated on the sensing capability of PDMS POFs, yet the in-depth analysis of the processing-property relationship of PDMS POFs remains unexplored. A straightforward processing strategy was developed for core only PDMS POFs and PDMS/THV (terpolymer of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene, and vinylidene fluoride) core/clad POFs. The optimization of chemical formulations and process parameters such as curing temperature and curing time provided the development of POFs with tailored mechanical and optical properties. The tensile modulus of the moulded PDMS POFs could be tuned in the range of 0.2–3.0 MPa, with attenuations as low as 0.11 dB/cm in the near infrared region (NIR). Furthermore, the load and pressure sensing capability of the PDMS POFs was demonstrated with sensitivity to loads as low as 0.1 N and highly accurate pressure sensing up to 300 kPa. The systematic approach presented in this study enables the processing of elastic PDMS POFs with tunable mechanical and optical properties, which can be tailored to suitable sensing applications in the field of healthcare monitoring, biomedicine, and soft robotics.
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