Cross-linked polymers based on diallylmaleic ester

The influence of the synthesis parameters on the macroporous polymer structure based on diallylmaleic ester was examined. A suspension polymerization technique was used to prepare the copolymer. In order to characterize the macroporous structure, the apparent and specific density, specific surface area, uptake of solvents, pore size and IR spectra were obtained. The average molecular weight between two cross-links and the cross-linking densities were calculated. The macroporous structures results from the aggregation of macrobeads generated within the droplets. The size and mechanism of aggregation of these microparticles is related to the amount and polarity of the solvent used. Control of the polymerization conditions allows synthesis of adsorbents tailored to suit a wide variety of applications, e.g. for the separation and purification of drugs for pharmaceutical industries.