The pore control method developed in this work relies on silica nanoparticles with a methylated surface used as solid porogen in polymer synthesis. In the present investigation, the nanometer size and rheological properties of fumed silica in organic media are explored a new route to create a uniform porosity in highly crosslinked polymeric materials.  The resulting polymers are mesoporous materials, exhibiting an extremely narrow pore size distribution with an average pore size of about 100 � (BET) and surface areas up to 350 m2/g. The average pore size value by inverse size-exclusion chromatography is 94 � which correlates with values obtained by N2 adsorption. The development of the pore network is influenced by the concentration of fumed silica. At concentrations of filler higher than 20 wt.%, the particles create a stable suspension which, after polymerization and etching, results in a polymer with a well-connected and uniform porosity. 

Rheological properties of fumed silica in organic suspensions: A new route to polymer pore size control

248th National Meeting (2014)

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