Control of pore formation in macroporous polymers synthesized by single-step γ-radiation-initiated polymerization and cross-linking

Pore formation during the γ-radiation-initiated synthesis of porous polymer monoliths has been systematically investigated. The major advantages of this approach include absence of typical free radical initiators and ability to obtain monoliths with the same chemical structure in a variety of sizes, shapes and porous characteristics. Monomer concentration, type of porogenic solvent, temperature, irradiation dose, and dose rate are variables mostly affecting the properties of the final polymer monolith. Monoliths prepared from diethyleneglycol dimethacrylate in the presence of 60-80 vol.% of lower alcohol such as methanol and 2-propanol with large channel-like pores in the micrometer range exhibit both good flow-through characteristics and appropriate rigidity. The optimum doses and dose rates were found in the range 20-40 kGy and 10-16 kGy/h, respectively.