The Modification and Processing of Polymers with Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
Shigeo NISHIKAWA
Material Process Group, Electric & Engineered Materials Laboratory,Mitsui Chemicals, Inc
Nippon Gomu Kyokaishi,(2004),77(10),343-347 General Review in Japanese

Abstract
Supercritical carbon dioxide is an environmentally friendly material and has great potential for the modification and processing of polymers. Addition of supercritical carbon dioxide to various polymers may lower the glass transition temperature, melt viscosity, and interfacial tensions. The aim of this study is to contribute to the development of the new processes and new products of high value and conserving the global environment. We have studied processes of foaming, reactive processing, and impregnation using supercritical carbon dioxide. The results from our work indicate that the solubility and diffusivity of carbon dioxide in polymers are key parameters for control of these processes.

Keywords:
Supercritical carbon dioxide, Foaming, Reactive processing, Impregnation, Solubility, Diffusion

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