Effects of inert solvent on preparation of porous polystyrene materials / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore effects of various inert solvents on surface morphology and specific surface area of porous materials. METHODS: Span80 served as emulsifier, and toluene, 1,2-dichlorobenzene, 2chloroethyl/benzene and 1-chloro-3-phenylpropane as inert solvent. High internal phase emulsion as template was used to prepare porous polystyrene material. Scanning electron microscope was utilized to observe morphology of porous materials to determine the diameter of foam hole. Nitrogen absorption specific surface area equipment was applied to determine specific surface area of the porous material. RESULTS: The inert solvent had an influence on the structure of the porous materials as follows the higher compatibility of the inert solvent with styrene, the higher surface area of the solid foam; monomers with higher surface activity tended to penetrate between the chains of a surfactant monolayer to a larger degree, creating a wedge effect on the oil side of the monolayer; the high polarity of the solvent, the greater its ability to incorporate increasing larger quantities of water. Thus, the stability of the emulsions decreased. CONCLUSION: Compatibility of inert solvent and styrene and polarity of inert solvent mainly affect the specific surface area of the porous material. Interface activity of the inert solvent mainly influences foam hole and window size of the porous material.