Initial Characterization of PDMAEMA: Styrene Porous Polymer Monolithic Morphologies

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate a new fabrication of poly-(2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate)-co-styrene in a porous polymer monolithic morphology. Poly-(2-dimethyl(aminoethyl) methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) is responsive to changes in pH while styrene remains unresponsive to external stimuli. IR, UV/Vis, and SEM were employed to determine that the proposed porous polymer (PPM) monolith can present pH-initiated stimuli response while remaining intact. The copolymerization of PDMAEMA with styrene has not been previously documented in a PPM morphology. It is important to demonstrate that the PPM retains tunable capabilities without destruction to the material. The utility of PDMAEMA copolymers is wide-reaching and this new adaptation of its tunability in a resilient PPM can serve as a distinct preface to original applications in fields such as surface modification, membrane technologies and stationary phases. To further the groundwork of this communication, dynamic studies on the interactions of small molecules with the pores of the monolith will be essential and accomplished via capillary electrochromatography.