Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a shrunken replica or a shrunken inverse replica of a multicontinuous structure. In one embodiment, the method comprises (1) infiltrating a first multicontinuous structure with a first fluid material which can be immobilized and shrunken, wherein the first multicontinuous structure comprises at least a first phase and a second phase which is immiscible with the first phase, and the infiltration displaces the second phase in the first multicontinuous structure to form a second multicontinuous structure which comprises at least the first phase and a third phase which consists of the first fluid material; (2) immobilizing the infiltrated first fluid material in the second multicontinuous structure; (3) removing the first phase from the second multicontinuous structure; and (4) shrinking (e.g., by a pyrolysis process) the third phase of the second multicontinuous structure, to produce an isotropically shrunken inverse replica of the first multicontinuous structure.

Abstract: A polymerization process is provided using a mixture of a solvent, a monomer, an oxidizing agent, and a moderator. The mixture is coated on a substrate and heated to initiate oxidative polymerization. At least one of three process conditions is used: the solvent having a boiling point in excess of about 120° C.; the total concentration of the monomer, the oxidizing agent, and the moderator being at least about 40% by weight; and the molar concentration of the moderator being greater than the molar concentration of the monomer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for producing a shrunken replica or a shrunken inverse replica of a multicontinuous structure. In one embodiment, the method comprises (1) infiltrating a first multicontinuous structure with a first fluid material which can be immobilized and shrunken, wherein the first multicontinuous structure comprises at least a first phase and a second phase which is immiscible with the first phase, and the infiltration displaces the second phase in the first multicontinuous structure to form a second multicontinuous structure which comprises at least the first phase and a third phase which consists of the first fluid material; (2) immobilizing the infiltrated first fluid material in the second multicontinuous structure; (3) removing the first phase from the second multicontinuous structure; and (4) shrinking (e.g., by a pyrolysis process) the third phase of the second multicontinuous structure, to produce an isotropically shrunken inverse replica of the first multicontinuous structure.

Abstract: A polymerization process is provided using a mixture of a solvent, a monomer, an oxidizing agent, and a moderator. The mixture is coated on a substrate and heated to initiate oxidative polymerization. At least one of three process conditions is used: the solvent having a boiling point in excess of about 120° C.; the total concentration of the monomer, the oxidizing agent, and the moderator being at least about 40% by weight; and the molar concentration of the moderator being greater than the molar concentration of the monomer.