Polymer plasticization using supercritical carbon dioxide

Abstract

Abstract The plasticizing effect of supercritical CO 2 (scCO 2 ) during the extrusion of polymers was investigated. A modified extrusion system was used to demonstrate the viscosity‐reducing effect of scCO 2 together with a capability to produce foam‐free extrudate with selected polymers, including poly(vinyl chloride). Samples of extrudate and materials prepared off‐line by using a pressure vessel were characterized by thermal, mechanical, and X‐ray techniques. After gas diffusion from the polymer, there was no long‐term effect on polymer structure and properties. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers.