Preparation and characterization of phenolic/furfural organic gel microspheres in supercritical CO2

Phenolic/furfural (P/F) gel microspheres were successfully produced by new supercritical CO2-based process. CO2-soluble poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) tvas used as the stabilizer in this system. Spherical morphology of the gel microspheres was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Particle size and particle size distribution of P/F gel microspheres can be modified by variety of the solids content and the stabilizer content. The resultant P/F gel microspheres have average particle size in the range of 1-6-mu m. The structure of P/F gel microspheres was revealed by thermogravimetric analysis and IR analysis.