Porous copolymers having a cellular polymeric structure suitable for preparing ion-exchange resins and adsorbents
AssigneeThe Dow Chemical Company
InventorTom N. Demopolis
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Abstract
Novel porous copolymers are disclosed which can be used to prepare ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents. The copolymers comprise a copolymer of at least one monovinylidene monomer and a crosslinking monomer and have a unique cellular pore structure. The cellular structure comprises a macroporous void phase which is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase. The porous void phase comprises a plurality of cellular void spaces which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase. Also disclosed are processes which can be used to prepare the porous copolymers, as well as ion-exchange resins and polymeric adsorbents using the porous copolymers.
Claims18
A suspension polymerization process for preparing porous copolymer beads having a cellular polymeric pore structure wherein a macroporous void phase is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase, the void phase comprising a plurality of cellular void spaces having diameters of from about 100 to about 2000 angstroms (.ANG.) which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase which comprises contacting in the polymerizable monomer phase at least one monovinylidene monomer a crosslinking monomer in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent based on total monomer weight, at least one free-radical polymerization initiator in an amount of from about 0.025 to about 2 weight percent based on the monomer weight, and a phase-separating diluent present in an amount of from about 30 to about 80 weight percent based on weight of monomer and diluent at a temperature from about 95.degree. to about 140.degree. C.
A process for making a polymeric adsorbent resin which comprises:
- (a) contacting in a suspended polymerizable monomer phase at least one monovinylidene aromatic monomer, a crosslinking monomer in an amount of from about 0.3 to about 5 weight percent based on total monomer weight, at least one free-radical polymerization initiator in an amount of from about 0.025 to about 2 weight percent based on the monomer weight, and a phase-separating diluent present in an amount of from about 30 to about 80 weight percent based on weight of monomer and diluent at a temperature of from about 95.degree. to about 140.degree. C. to produce porous copolymer beads having a cellular polymeric pore structure wherein a macroporous void phase is dispersed within a continuous copolymer phase, the void phase comprising a plurality of cellular void spaces having diameters of from about 100 to about 2000 angstroms (.ANG.) which are at least partially enclosed by walls of the continuous copolymer phase;
- and
- (b) post-crosslinking the porous copolymer beads in a swollen state in the presence of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.