Pore Structure of Macroporous Polymers Using Polystyrene/Silica Composite Particles as Pickering Stabilizers
Shuhua Tu1, Chenxu Zhu1, Lingyun Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Collaborative Innovation Center of Polymers and Polymer Composite Materials, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University , Shanghai 200433, P. R. China.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|December 14, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for creating macroporous polymers with tunable pore structures using Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). Adjusting the ratio of polystyrene/silica composite particles precisely controls the final polymer foam characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Developing macroporous polymers with controlled structures is crucial for advanced applications.
- Existing methods often lack precise control over pore interconnectivity and morphology.
- Pickering emulsions offer a versatile platform for templating porous materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a novel method for preparing interconnected macroporous polymers.
- To demonstrate control over polymer pore structure using composite Pickering stabilizers.
- To enhance the interconnectivity of macroporous polymers.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of polystyrene (PS)/silica composite particles with tunable amphiphilicity.
- Stabilization of water-in-oil Pickering high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) using these composite particles.
- Polymerization of HIPEs and subsequent characterization of polymer foam structure and gas permeability.
- Selective etching of PS microspheres to improve pore interconnectivity.
Main Results:
- Composite Pickering stabilizers were successfully prepared by varying the PS/silica ratio, tailoring amphiphilicity.
- Pickering HIPEs with controllable droplet sizes were formed.
- Macroporous polymer foams with interconnected structures were obtained.
- Gas permeability, indicating improved interconnectivity, was significantly enhanced after etching PS particles.
Conclusions:
- The ratio of PS to silica in composite particles offers fine control over the pore structure of macroporous polymers.
- This Pickering emulsion-based approach provides a facile route to interconnected macroporous polymer foams.
- The method allows for tailored material properties through simple adjustments in stabilizer composition.
