Phase behaviour and thermodynamic modelling of the ternary system (carbon dioxide plus ε-caprolactone plus chloroform)

The poly(epsilon-caprolactone) is an aliphatic polyester which has received a growing interest due its properties. Furthermore, the use of supercritical carbon dioxide is a major advance for the establishment of green polymer production processes. This advance is achieved by reducing the amount of toxic components and by the promoted separation of these components from the final product. The aim of this work was to study the high pressure phase behaviour for the ternary system involving carbon dioxide, epsilon-caprolactone, and chloroform, gathering crucial information to conduct polymerization reactions in supercritical medium. The experiments were executed at temperatures from (323 to 353) K, pressures from (4.68 to 21.85) MPa, and mass ratios of chloroform to epsilon-caprolactone of 0.5:1, 1:1 and 2:1. Phase transitions of vapour-liquid bubble point (VLE-BP), and dew point (VLE-DP) type were observed. Moreover, the experimental results were modelled using the Peng-Robinson (PR) equation of state with the Wong-Sandler (PR-WS). (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

The study focused on the high pressure phase behavior of the ternary system involving carbon dioxide, epsilon-caprolactone, and chloroform, providing crucial information for polymerization reactions in supercritical medium. Experimental observations included vapor-liquid bubble point and dew point transitions, with modeling done using the Peng-Robinson equation of state.