Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers: Influence of the diluents on absorptionand desorption properties

Styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers with porous structures were prepared by s eeded suspension polymerization using toluene and heptane as diluents. The influence of each diluent on the formation of porous structure and the swel ling ratio was investigated. The styrene-DVB beads are capable of absorptio n and desorption of organic solvents having solubility parameters in the ra nge of 17.6-19.6 (MPa)(1/2). Styrenic imbiber beads were swelled in toluene and the kinetics of absorption was studied. The imbiber bead could absorb toluene completely within 90 min and yielded a maximum swelling ratio of 12 .7. The diffusion coefficient values of these beads were in the range of 1. 55 x 10(-5) to 3.68 x 10(-5) cm(2) . s(-1).