Macroporous Thermoset Monoliths from Glycidyl Methacrylate (GMA)-Based High Internal Phase Emulsions (HIPEs): Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) as Filler - Functionalization and Removal of Cr(III) from Aqueous Solutions

Macroporous foams having 80 vol % of nominal porosity were synthesized by the copolymerization crosslinking glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) based high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). To alter mechanical and thermal properties, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) used as filler. For this purpose, CNCs added to continuous oil during emulsification process at a loading rate 1, 5 or 7 wt %. Consequently, composite obtained purification polymerized HIPEs (polyHIPEs). The effect on morphological properties was investigated. It found that have significant influence stability compressive strength foams. In end, neat polyHIPE foam polyHIPE/CNC with 1 CNC post-functionalized reacting phenylimidazole (PIAL) epoxy ring GMA units. Resulting amine functional utilized in Cr(III) removal from aqueous solutions. demonstrated great potential sorbent materials. results also showed existence decreased performance for removing ions. Nevertheless, functionalization PIAL significantly improved selectivity comperasion foam.