Method for the production of high internal phase emulsion foams
A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam is provided that comprises forming a first High Internal Phase Emulsion from an oil phase comprising monomer, crosslinking agent, emulsifier; and an aqueous phase. The High Internal Phase Emulsion is pumped into a water bath. The High Internal Phase Emulsion cures in the bath.
1. A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam comprising the steps of:
forming a High Internal Phase Emulsion from
an oil phase comprising monomer, cross-linking agent, emulsifier,
an aqueous phase, and
an initiator in either the oil or aqueous phase;
pumping the High Internal Phase Emulsion into a water bath;
curing the High Internal Phase Emulsion in the water bath to form a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water bath comprises an electrolyte.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, poly-, or tri-valent inorganics salts of the halides, nitrates and sulfates of alkali metals, and alkaline metals.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrolyte is NaCl.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water bath comprises an initiator.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the initiator is selected from the group consisting of persulfate-bisulfate, persulfate-ascorbic acid, persulfate-thiosulfate, and sodium persulfate (NaPs).
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water bath comprises a redox couple capable of reacting with the initiator present in the emulsion.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the emulsion comprises persulfate or peroxide and the water bath comprises bisulfate, ascorbic acid, or thiosulfate.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the High Internal Phase Emulsion foam exhibits a porosity between 0% and 99.9%.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the water bath has a temperature between 70 C and 150 C.
11. A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam comprising the steps of:
forming a High Internal Phase Emulsion from
an oil phase comprising monomer, cross-linking agent, emulsifier,
an aqueous phase, and
pumping the High Internal Phase Emulsion into a water bath;
curing the High Internal Phase Emulsion in the water bath to form a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the water bath comprises an electrolyte.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the electrolyte is selected from the group consisting of mono-, di-, poly-, or tri-valent inorganics salts of the halides, nitrates and sulfates of alkali metals, and alkaline metals.
14. The method of claim 11 , wherein the electrolyte is NaCl.
15. The method of claim 11 , wherein the water bath comprises an initiator.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the initiator is selected from the group consisting of persulfate-bisulfate, persulfate-ascorbic acid, persulfate-thiosulfate, and sodium persulfate (NaPs).
17. The method of claim 11 , wherein the High Internal Phase Emulsion foam exhibits a porosity between 0% and 99.9%.
18. The method of claim 11 , wherein the water bath has a temperature between 70 C and 150 C.
19. A method for producing a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam comprising the steps of:
forming a High Internal Phase Emulsion from
an oil phase comprising monomer, cross-linking agent, emulsifier,
an aqueous phase, and
pumping the High Internal Phase Emulsion into a water bath comprising between 0.1% and 5% NaCl;
curing the High Internal Phase Emulsion in the water bath to form a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam.