Styrene–divinylbenzene copolymers: Influence of the diluent on network porosity

The formation of the permanent porosity in the classical matrix, styrene–divinylbenzene copolymers, using cyclohexane, cyclohexanol, or cyclohexanone as diluent was studied. The data concerning porous networks were corroborated with the solvent–polymer interaction factor and the cohesive energy density which are important in the prediction of copolymer porosity. Between diluents there are noticeable differences, though the diluent volume and the divinylbenzene percent strongly influence the porous structure of the network. Cyclohexanal was the most efficient diluent for building up the highest porosity even at low percents of divinylbenzene.