Jinsu Park1,Seung-Yeop Kwak1,2,3
Seoul National University1,Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University2,Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University3
Jinsu Park1,Seung-Yeop Kwak1,2,3
Seoul National University1,Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University2,Institute of Engineering Research, Seoul National University3
Multifunctionality and effectiveness of macroporous solid foams in extreme environments have captivated the attention of both academia and industries. The most recent rapid, energy-efficient strategy to manufacture solid foams with directionality is the frontal polymerization (FP) of dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). However, there still remains the need for a time efficient one-pot approach to induce anisotropic macroporosity in DCPD foams. Here we show a rapid production of cellular solids by frontally polymerizing a mixture of DCPD monomer and allyl-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (ACs). Our results demonstrate a clear correlation between increasing % allylation and AC wt%, and the formed pore architectures. Especially, we show enhanced front velocity (<b>v</b><sub>f</sub>) and reduced reaction initiation time (<i>t</i><sub>init</sub>) by introducing an optimal amount of 2 wt% AC. Conclusively, the small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS, WAXS) analyses reveal that the incorporation of 2 wt% AC affects the crystal structure of FP-mediated DCPD/AC foams and enhances their oxidation resistance.