Fabrication of emulsion-templated polystyrene absorbent using 4-arm star-shaped poly(ɛ-caprolactone) as property defining crosslinker

PolyHIPEs prepared by polymerizing high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) normally have a cross-linked structure, with the cross-linking providing the mechanical stability to maintain the porous structure and prevent collapse during cure and uses. The most widely investigated polyHIPE (i.e., polystyrene (PS) polyHIPE) is cross-linked with divinylbenzene (DVB), making them rigid, brittle, and environmentally unfriendly. To address this issue,...