The Effects of Enhancing the Crosslinking Degree in High Internal Phase Emulsion Templated Poly(dicyclopentadiene)

Abstract

The effect of enhancing the crosslinking degree in polyHIPEs made from dicyclopentadiene by additionally using a crosslinking comonomer is described. Foams of 80% porosity with 10–40 wt% comonomer content in the continuous phase are prepared and show similar porosities and morphological characteristics as foams prepared with dicyclopentadiene alone. Assessing the mechanical properties reveals that the ductility is decreasing while the stiffness of the samples is increasing with increasing comonomer content. The foams containing the crosslinking comonomer take up at least five times their mass of toluene thereby swelling to at least 30 vol%. Upon drying of the swollen specimens, their initial shape and porosity are recovered. This feature distinguishes them from polyHIPEs made from dicyclopentadiene only.