Organic, low density microcellular materials, their carbonized derivatives, and methods for producing same

摘要

Organic, low density microcellular materials ("LDMMs") are provided comprising open cell foams in unlimited sizes and shapes. These LDMMs exhibit minimal shrinkage and cracking. Processes for preparing LDMMs are also provided that do not require supercritical extraction. These processes comprise sol-gel polymerization of an hydroxylated aromatic in the presence of at least one suitable electrophilic linking agent and at least one suitable solvent capable of strengthening the sol-gel. Also disclosed are the carbonized derivatives of the organic LDMMs.