Article

Porous Polymers by Emulsion Templating

  1. Andrea Barbetta1,
  2. Ross J. Carnachan1,
  3. Katherine H. Smith1,
  4. Chun-tian Zhao1,
  5. Neil R. Cameron1,
  6. Ritu Kataky1,
  7. Matthew Hayman2,
  8. Stefan A. Przyborski2,
  9. Martin Swan3

Article first published online: 20 JUN 2005

DOI: 10.1002/masy.200550819

Issue

Macromolecular Symposia

Macromolecular Symposia

Special Issue: Polymer Chemistry, Reactions and Processes

Volume 226, Issue 1, pages 203–212, May 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Barbetta, A., Carnachan, R. J., Smith, K. H., Zhao, C.-t., Cameron, N. R., Kataky, R., Hayman, M., Przyborski, S. A. and Swan, M. (2005), Porous Polymers by Emulsion Templating. Macromol. Symp., 226: 203–212. doi: 10.1002/masy.200550819

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Chemistry, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom

  2. 2

    School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, United Kingdom

  3. 3

    Qinetiq Farnborough, Cody Technology Park, Ively Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 0LX, United Kingdom

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 JUN 2005
  2. Article first published online: 20 JUN 2005

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Keywords:

  • cell culture;
  • emulsion;
  • foams;
  • PolyHIPE;
  • sensors

Abstract

Highly porous and permeable polymers are produced by polymerisation of the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The morphology and properties of the resulting PolyHIPE materials can be varied, allowing the materials to be optimised for a variety of applications. Void diameter is controlled from 1 to around 100 μm by altering the HIPE stability. Surface areas greater than 700 m2g−1 can be achieved by replacing some of the monomer phase with non-polymerisable solvent, in conjunction with a high crosslink density and the use of a surfactant mixture that limits Ostwald ripening. PolyHIPEs can be produced in a variety of physical forms including large monolithic slabs, rods and flat relatively thin membranes. The materials are currently under investigation for use as electrochemical sensor membrane substrates and as porous matrices for cell culture.

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