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Robust open cellular porous polymer monoliths made from cured colloidal gels of latex particles

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 11:57 authored by Desire, CT, Lotierzo, A, Dario, AR, Emily HilderEmily Hilder, Bon, SAF
The coagulation of oppositely charged latexes, prepared from the soap-free emulsion polymerisation of styrene using water as the reaction medium, resulted in the obtainment of colloidal gels that were porous in nature and held together by electrostatic interactions. Chemical crosslinking, involving the introduction of a water-soluble crosslinker, resulted in the obtainment of stronger chemical bonds between particles affording a rigid porous material known as a monolith. It was found that, in a simpler approach, these materials could be prepared using a single latex where the addition of ammonium persulfate both resulted in the formation of the colloidal gel and initiated the crosslinking process. The pore size of the resulting monoliths was predictable as this was observed to directly correlate to the particle diameter, with larger pores achieved using particles of increased size. All gels obtained in this work were highly mouldable and retained their shape, which allowed for a range of formats to be easily prepared without the requirement of a mould.

History

Publication title

Green Chemistry

Volume

20

Issue

11

Pagination

2499-2511

ISSN

1463-9262

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Royal Society of Chemistry

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

© The Royal Society of Chemistry 2018

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Scientific instruments; Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences