Effect of Cosurfactant on Structure and Properties of Polymerized High Internal Phase Emulsions (PolyHIPEs)

Porous polymerized high internal phase emulsion (polyHIPE) monoliths are synthesized by using Span 80 with different cosurfactants. The results reveal that the void size can be reduced by employing cosurfactants, except for Tween 20. Furthermore, the openness of polyHIPEs changes by using different cosurfactants or by varying their concentration. To further investigate the effect of cosurfactants, we perform rheology measurements on the interface of the aqueous and oil phase. This study demonstrates the important role of interfacial elasticity in the successful preparation of polyHIPEs with different morphologies. Additionally, this study suggests that the increase in interfacial elasticity hinders the formation of interconnections between pores, known as windows. Finally, the compression test is performed to investigate the effect of the pore structure on the mechanical properties.