1. The Polymer & Composite Engineering
(PaCE) Group and
Porous Materials by Concentrated
Emulsion Templating
Dr Angelika Menner & Prof Alexander Bismarck
Competition sponsored by:

2. Polymer & Composite
PaCE Engineering Group
Department of Chemical Engineering
at Imperial College London Prof A Bismarck
We are a material science group specialised in responsive materials, green materials,
polymer (nano)composites, multifunctional materials and POROUS POLYMERS

3. Emulsion Templating – How it works
Emulsion template:
The continuous phase contains monomers,
crosslinker, emulsifier (surfactants or particles)
and initiator. The monomers and crosslinker
mainly define the mechanical performance of the Highly viscous
final product; it can be adjusted from rubbery to emulsion
hard and tough. Furthermore, particles can be
added to reinforce the pore walls or to add
function by making the polymer foam magnetic or Polymerisation Purification and
conductive. at 70 °C drying
The aqueous phase consists of water and an
electrolyte; it is dispersed as droplets in the
continuous phase. The volume fraction defines the
porosity (60% - 95%). The aqueous phase
droplets are the template – the droplet size and
distribution define the morphology of the polymer
foam.
Pore throats – these are
holes in the pore walls which
interconnect the pores and
make the polymer foam
permeable Pore – this is where the aqueous
phase droplet has been before.

4. Porous Materials with various morphologies
Highly interconnected Closed celled
Tailor made morphologies:
The morphology has a direct impact on
properties such as permeability and
mechanical performance.
Pore sizes range from 5 to 800 µm
Pore throat sizes range from 2 to 50 µm
Hierarchical structures:
large pores surrounded by small,
highly interconnected pores

5. Porous Materials in various shapes
Monoliths
Tailor made shapes:
Although the emulsions are highly
viscous they are still liquid, which
Beads means they can be moulded in any
desired shape. The polymerised and
dried porous product retains the shape
and size as the material is highly
crosslinked – no shrinkage.
Membranes
Or what ever shape you like...

6. Porous Materials
Potential Applications
Core materials for sandwich
structures
Filter media in harsh
environments Tissue engineering
Chromatography
Delivery system for self healing
composites
Ion exchange modules

7. Thank you for your time and interest!
We’re sure you can come up with
some cool ideas! Remember, just use
your marbles 