Nanocomposite foams obtained by polymerization of high internal phase emulsions

Nanocomposite polyHIPEs were synthesised by the polymerization of the continuous phase of high internal phase emulsions containing titania nanoparticles in the organic or oxidized CNTs in the aqueous phase. The resulting polymer foams possessed an interconnected pore structure characteristic of polyHIPEs. The incorporation of titania nanoparticles into the polyHIPE resulted in an increased compressive modulus and crush strength of the foam. Even though 4 wt % of CNTs were successfully incorporated into the polymer matrix, only a modest improvement of the mechanical performance was achieved.