All foamed up: Synthesis of macroporous polystyrene through polymerization of foamed emulsions
Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 13:31
in Physics & Chemistry
(PhysOrg.com) -- Packaging, insulation, and impact protection are examples of commercial uses of polymer foams. Depending on the intended application, the properties required of these foams can differ greatly. In the journal Angewandte Chemie, a team of German, Irish, and French researchers led by Cosima Stubenrauch at the University of Stuttgart has now introduced a new method for the controlled production of structured foams. Their technique is based on the polymerization of foamed emulsions of oil in water.