High internal phase emulsion foams: Copolymers and interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

High internal phase emulsion (HIPE) copolymer and interpenetrating network foams were prepared from 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA), styrene (S) and divinylbenzene (DVB) using a unique process. The morphologies, thermal properties and dynamic and static mechanical properties of these foams were investigated. The glass transition temperatures and damping properties of the EHA/S copolymer foams vary with its composition. IPN foams with very broad tan 5 peaks were obtained. The damping properties of IPN foams were tailored through changing copolymer composition and monomer composition. The IPN foams based on a copolymer foam and styrene had a broader tan δ peak, a higher glass transition temperature and a higher modulus than tne copolymer foams of similar overall styrene contents. It is therefore possible to prepare novel damping foams based on polyHIPE foams through the synthesis of interpenetrating polymer networks.

Room-temperature decomposition of 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) in emulsion gels with and without silica

“…Their use as reaction media for polymerizations has been studied [4][5][6]. In our lab, we have been interested in an unconventional room-temperature polymerization process in emulsion gels for the preparation of composites containing silica [7,8].…”

Polymerized high internal‐phase emulsions: Properties and interaction with water

“…15 PolyHIPE copolymers containing styrene (S) and varying amounts of either 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (EHA) or 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate (EHMA) were also investigated. 16 Previous work focused on polyHIPE interpenetrating polymer networks 17 and polyHIPE organic/inorganic hybrids. 18 In the present study, polyHIPE were synthesized by using various monomers including S, EHA, EHMA, and perfluorooctylethyl methacrylate (FMA).…”

“…16 Previous work focused on polyHIPE interpenetrating polymer networks 17 and polyHIPE organic/inorganic hybrids. 18 In the present study, polyHIPE were synthesized by using various monomers including S, EHA, EHMA, and perfluorooctylethyl methacrylate (FMA). All the polyHIPEs were crosslinked by using DVB as a comonomer.…”

Interconnected porous epoxy monoliths prepared by concentrated emulsion templating

“…Although step polymerization was reported by a few authors [18,19], the curing of an epoxy system in a concentrated emulsion was first put forward by Wang et al [20]. In the present study, glycidyl amino epoxy (GAE) monomers were introduced to the concentrated emulsion successfully.…”