Assessing the influence of mixing time and porogenic solvent on thecharacteristics of microporous PolyHIPE monoliths

A series of porous poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) monoliths were synthesized using high internalphase emulsions. The influence of two parameters - the addition of porogenic solvent (toluene) andthe mixing time - on the physical and mechanical properties of polyHIPEs was investigated. As themixing time increased, the size of the voids and windows in the polyHIPE structure decreasedsignificantly. Furthermore, the addition of a porogenic solvent, had a negative effect on themechanical properties of the final material. These polyHIPEs exhibited a significant water uptake,approximately ten times their original weight, which is indicative of their high void content and rapidwater absorption facilitated by capillary action. The density of the samples was in the range of 0.04to 0.11 gr/cm3.

Assessing the influence of mixing time and porogenic solvent on thecharacteristics of microporous PolyHIPE monoliths Keywords:

PolyHIPEs , Water-in-oil emulsion templates , Foam structure , Porous polymers