A new class of emulsion-templated macroporous polymers (polyHIPEs) was prepared by step-growth polymerization involving a low molecular weight triol and a commercially available diisocyanate. Several water-in-oil High Internal Phase Emulsions (HIPEs) were formulated by varying the nature of the monomer and the volume fraction of the inner phase. The addition of particles in the continuous phase to obtain composites was studied. The preparation of Pickering emulsions and non-aqueous emulsions was also investigated. The addition of a catalyst to the HIPE and subsequent polymerization followed by solvent elimination led to the corresponding polyurethane polyHIPEs. These materials were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), FT-IR, C-13 solid NMR, mercury intrusion porosimetry, nitrogen adsorption and thermal analysis. The materials obtained shows porosities up to 80% and a thermal stability comparable to commercial polyurethane foams. (C) 2017 Published by Elsevier Ltd.