Title
Functionally Gradient Macroporous Polymers: Emulsion Templating Offers Control over Density, Pore Morphology, and Composition
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Abstract
Gradient macroporous polymers were produced by polymerization of emulsion templates comprising a continuous monomer phase and an internal aqueous template phase. To produce macroporous polymers with gradient composition, pore size, and foam density, we varied the template formulation, droplet size, and internal phase ratio of emulsion templates continuously and stacked those prior to polymerization. Using the outlined approach, it is possible to vary one property along the resulting macroporous polymer while retaining the other properties. The elastic moduli and crush strengths change along the gradient of the macroporous polymers; their mechanical properties are dominated by those of the weakest layers in the gradient. Macroporous polymers with gradient chemical composition and thus stiffness provide both high impact load and energy adsorption, rendering the gradient foam suitable for impact protective applications. We show that dual-dispensing and simultaneous blending of two different emulsion formulations in various ratios results in a fine, bidirectional change of the template composition, enabling the production of true gradient macroporous polymers with a high degree of design freedom.
Keywords
emulsion templatingmacroporous polymersfunctionally gradient foamsimpact resistanceimpact protection
Object type
Language
English [eng]
Persistent identifier
https://phaidra.univie.ac.at/o:2085822
Appeared in
Title
ACS Applied Polymer Materials
Volume
6
Issue
9
ISSN
2637-6105
Issued
2024
From page
5150
To page
5162
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date issued
2024
Access rights
Rights statement
© 2024 The Authors
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