Characterization of Phase Equilibrium Associated With Heterogeneous Polymerizations in Supercritical

1
Characterization of Phase Equilibrium Associated
With Heterogeneous Polymerizations in
Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

• Shama Karu
• Dr. George Roberts
• Karen Kennedy

2
Motivation

• Obtain experimental results to compare with a
  mathematical model of sorption
• To better understand polymerization of vinylidene
  fluoride in CO2

3
Summer Research

• Determined Partition Coefficient
• Effect of Concentration
• Developed method for use of ISOSORP
• Sorption studies

4
Partition Coefficient Apparatus
C, circulation pump F, polymer cylinder (7.5
mL) G, gas chromatograph H, HPLC valve S, ISCO
syringe pump
System Volume 25.6 mL
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Gas Chromatograph
VF2
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Vinylidene Fluoride Partitioning Effect of
Concentration
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ISOSORP

• Gravimetric experimental device allowing the
  measurement of pure gas adsorption
• Uses a magnetic suspension balance
• Can take measurements at high pressure and high
  temperature without any cold spots
• Has an accuracy of .01 mg and an estimated
  maximum error of .3

8
ISOSORP Operation
Rubotherm ISOSORP Magnetic Suspension Balance
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Conclusion

• Kc not effected by initial concentration
• Developed method for ISOSORP

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Future of Partitioning Studies

• Data useful for creating mathematical model
• Run experiments for DEPDC and DEC sorption
• Perform two component sorption experiments using
  ISOSORP

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Acknowledgements

• Joseph M DeSimone
• George Roberts
• Karen Kennedy
• This research was conducted with the support of
  the NSF Green Processing Undergraduate Research
  Program with a grant from the National Science
  Foundation, Award Number, EEC-9912339
• This material is based upon work supported by the
  STC Program of National Science Foundation under
  Agreement No. CHE-9876674
• Kenan Center for the Utilization of Carbon
  Dioxide in Manufacturing
• Solvay Corporation