A series of porous poly(styrene/divinylbenzene) monoliths were synthesized using high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). The influence of two parameters - the addition of porogenic solvent (toluene) and the mixing time - on the physical and mechanical properties of polyHIPEs was investigated. As the mixing time increased, the size of the voids and windows in the polyHIPE structure decreased significantly. Furthermore, the addition of a porogenic solvent, had a negative effect on the mechanical properties of the final material. These polyHIPEs exhibited a significant water uptake, approximately ten times their original weight, which is indicative of their high void content and rapid water absorption facilitated by capillary action. The density of the samples was in the range of 0.04 to 0.11 gr/cm3.

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