Topographical and Wettability Effects of Post-Discharge Plasma Treatments on Macroporous Polystyrene-Divinylbenzene Solid Foams

The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics and wetting properties of polystyrene‐divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB) solid foams and their modification through post‐discharge plasmas. The low‐density solid foams are mainly macroporous, but show a small fraction of mesopores; their c...

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Published in:Plasma processes and polymers 2009-10, Vol.6 (10), p.686-692
Main Authors: Canal, Cristina, Gaboriau, Freddy, Vílchez, Alex, Erra, Pilar, Garcia-Celma, MªJosé, Esquena, Jordi
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Cellular
downstream plasmas
Exact sciences and technology
Foamed materials
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Física
Física de fluids
Física de plasmes
macroporous solid foams
Plasma (Gasos ionitzats)
Plasma chemistry
Polymer industry, paints, wood
polystyrene-divinylbenzene
surface modification
Technology of polymers
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
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Summary:The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological characteristics and wetting properties of polystyrene‐divinylbenzene (PS‐DVB) solid foams and their modification through post‐discharge plasmas. The low‐density solid foams are mainly macroporous, but show a small fraction of mesopores; their characterization revealed differences in topography between the smoother surface and the rougher bulk, while from the chemical point of view both regions of the PS‐DVB solid foams are hydrophobic. The macroporous structure of these materials with high pore volume makes them interesting for the design of new drug delivery systems, but some active principles and the physiological media are hydrophilic; therefore, it would be of interest to modify the wettability of the materials via post‐discharge plasma treatments. Highly hydrophobic polystyrene‐divinylbenzene macroporous solid foams were obtained by polymerization from highly concentrated emulsions. Their porous structure (see Figure) is potentially interesting for the design of new drug delivery systems, if their adhesion properties could be improved. Post‐discharge plasma treatments were used, revealing not only hydrophilic improvement as expected, but also some morphological changes dependent on the active species of the treatment.
ISSN:1612-8850
1612-8869
DOI:10.1002/ppap.200950011