Microporous Structure Formation of Poly(methyl methacrylate) via Polymerization-Induced Phase Separation in the Presence of Poly(ethylene glycol).

ABSTRACT: It has been demonstrated that nano- or micro-structured polymeric materials have huge potential as advanced materials. However, most of the current fabricating methods have limitations either in cost or in size. Here, we investigate the bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). We found that phase separation occurs during bulk polymerization. After removal of PEG via sonication, microscopic structures of poly(methyl methacrylate), including porous structures, co-continuous monolith structures, or particle aggregation structures, are formed. These structures can be controlled by the amount of PEG added and the reaction temperature. The results are summarized in phase diagrams. The addition of PEG significantly affects the reaction kinetics. P

SUBMITTER: Suzuki Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9631874 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature