Preparation of phenolic hollow microspheres via in situ polymerization

Abstract BACKGROUND: Phenolic hollow microspheres with a closed structure have a set of outstanding thermal characteristics. In the work reported here, a facile method is introduced to fabricate phenolic closed hollow microspheres by in situ polymerization in oil‐in‐water emulsion. Although in situ polymerization has been widely used to prepare hollow microspheres, it has not been utilized for the preparation of phenolic hollow microspheres. RESULTS: The average particle size of the produced microspheres was about 500 µm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the phenolic microspheres were partially cured during preparation and a significant number of hydroxymethyl groups remained in the microspheres. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal decomposition temperature of the phenolic hollow microspheres was 420 °C, and residual weight at 800 °C was 62%. Differential thermal analysis showed that the glass transition temperature of the phenolic hollow microspheres was 200 °C. CONCLUSION: Using in situ polymerization, high thermal performance phenolic hollow microspheres are produced. The resultant product possesses a satisfactory closed hollow structure with controlled morphology. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry