Macroporous 4-vinylpyridine-divinylbenzene-estimation of pore volume, surface area, and pore size distribution

4-Vinylpyridine-divinylbenzene copolymer beads of similar to 0.3 mm in diameter were synthesized by suspension polymerization technique. The beads were made porous by dilution of the monomers with phthalate esters. The porosity was varied by changing the diluent, by varying the degree of dilution, and by varying the ratio of divinylbenzene in the monomers. Pore volume, surface area, and pore size distribution were determined by mercury penetration method, and densities of the dried copolymers were determined by a measuring cylinder and a balance. Statistical analysis of the data shows that the surface area and swelling coefficient in acetone can be estimated from the pore volume value with a reasonable good accuracy. Pore size distribution curves for the copolymers having pore volume in the range of 0.1 ml/g to 0.8 ml/g are shown. One can approximately estimate the pore size distribution if the pore volume is known. The pore volume can be estimated with a reasonable good accuracy from the density of the copolymers.