Porous Polymers by Controlling Phase Separation during Vapor Deposition Polymerization

Abstract

A template-free method is described to fabricate continuous-phase, porous polymer films by simultaneous phase separation during vapor deposition polymerization. The technique involves concurrent polymerization, crosslinking, and phase separation of condensed species and reaction products. Deposited films form open-cell, macroporous structures consisting of crosslinked and glassy poly(glycidyl methacrylate). By limiting phase separation during vapor phase deposition, spatially dependent morphologies, such as layered morphologies, can be grown. Results show that combining vapor deposition polymerization with phase separation establishes morphological control, which may be applied to applications including cellular scaffolds, thin cushions and vibration dampers, and membranes for separations.

Microstructured Films Formed on Liquid Substrates via Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition of Cross-Linked Polymers

“…For example, Tao et al made porous membranes by simultaneous polymerization of cross-linked copolymers and condensation of an inert porogen species followed by the subsequent removal of the porogen. 31 Similar to solution-phase methods, the morphology of the films presented by Tao was shown to depend on the phase separation between the polymer and the condensed porogen. Seidel et al produced microstructured membranes with dual-scale porosity by simultaneous polymerization and deposition of solid monomer.…”

All‐Dry Fabrication of Poly(methacrylic acid)‐Based Membranes with Controlled Dissolution Behavior

“…[18,19] Recently, the iCVD technique has been extended from creating thin dense films to porous membranes by two different methods. Tao and Anthamatten [20] produced porous materials by intentionally condensing precursors and a porogen on the substrate and utilizing a phase separation mechanism. Alternatively, our group has used substrate temperatures below the freezing point of the monomer to simultaneously deposit and partially polymerize monomer.…”

Nanotopographical control of surfaces using chemical vapor deposition processes

“…Tao and Anthamatten formed open-cell, macroporous poly(glycidyl methacrylate) structures using ethylene glycol as a porogen [30–32]. The inclusion of an inert, condensable species into the gas feed mixture ensures phase separation simultaneously with the polymerization and crosslinking reactions.…”