Frontal polymerization-triggered simultaneous ring-opening metathesis polymerization and cross metathesis affords anisotropic macroporous dicyclopentadiene cellulose nanocrystal foam

ABSTRACT: Multifunctionality and effectiveness of macroporous solid foams in extreme environments have captivated the attention of both academia and industries. The most recent rapid, energy-efficient strategy to manufacture solid foams with directionality is the frontal polymerization (FP) of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). However, there still remains the need for a time efficient one-pot approach to induce anisotropic macroporosity in DCPD foams. Here we show a rapid production of cellular solids by frontally polymerizing a mixture of DCPD monomer and allyl-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (ACs). Our results demonstrate a clear correlation between increasing % allylation and AC wt%, and the formed pore architectures. Especially, we show enhanced front velocity (vf) and reduced reaction initiation time (tinit) by introducing an optimal amount of 2 wt% AC. Conclusively, the small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) analyses reveal that the incorporation of 2 wt% AC affects the crystal structure of FP-mediated DCPD/AC foams and enhances their oxidation resistance. Polymeric solid foams have several beneficial properties such as their light weight, thermal insulation or shock absorbance, but it is still challenging to efficiently control the foam architecture. Here, the authors optimize the frontal polymerization of dicyclopentadiene with allyl-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals to rapidly achieve solid foams with modified structures and enhanced oxidation resistance.

SUBMITTER: Park J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9814902 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature