Polystyrenedivinylbenzene

Polystyrenedivinylbenzene, commonly abbreviated PS-DVB, refers to a crosslinked polymer produced by the copolymerization of styrene with divinylbenzene. The resulting material forms insoluble, three‑dimensional networks used as resin beads and supports in ion exchange and chromatography.

PS-DVB is typically prepared by free‑radical polymerization in suspension or emulsion, using an initiator such as AIBN or benzoyl peroxide. Divinylbenzene acts as a crosslinker, linking growing polystyrene chains to form a rigid, solvent‑resistant network.

The network is hydrophobic and chemically resistant, insoluble in common solvents. Porosity ranges from gel-type to macroporous, depending on DVB content and porogens. Higher crosslinking increases rigidity, reduces swelling, and enhances mechanical and chemical stability; the glass transition temperature rises with crosslink density.

Functionalization of PS-DVB beads yields ion‑exchange resins and other supports. Sulfonation yields strong acid cation exchangers, while chloromethylation or amination introduces different functional groups for weak or strong ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, or affinity chromatography.

Applications include water treatment as ion-exchange media, solid‑phase extraction, and chromatography supports. In addition, PS-DVB resins serve as catalysts or catalyst supports and as scaffolds for immobilized enzymes and other bio‑adsorbents.

Common variants include macroporous PS-DVB resins with higher DVB content (often 20–60% by weight) and gel-type resins with lower DVB (roughly 4–20%). The choice of porosity and functionality depends on the intended separation or adsorptive performance.