Solubility and diffusivity of CO2 and N2 in polymers and polymer swelling, glass transition, melting, and crystallization at high pressure: A critical review and perspectives on experimental methods, data, and modeling

Literature data on the solubility and diffusivity of CO2 and N-2, as well as swelling of polymers in these fluids are reviewed along with experimental methods and modeling. The review is mostly on data for poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, and polyolefins, but data for other industrially important polymers have been evaluated as well. The Sanchez-Lacombe equation of state and its effectiveness in modeling solubility, swelling, and the glass transition temperature is presented in detail. The use of Fick's law in describing the sorption dynamics of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in these polymer + gas systems is also discussed. The available data and the efforts on the modeling of the changes in the glass transition, melting temperature, and the crystallization of polymers with sorption of these gases are also reviewed. A critical assessment of the knowledge gaps and the future research needs for fundamental understanding and industrial utilization is provided.

Automated summary

This review summarizes the literature data on the solubility and diffusivity of CO2 and N-2, as well as swelling of polymers in these fluids. It also discusses the experimental methods and modeling used in this field. The effectiveness of the Sanchez-Lacombe equation of state in modeling solubility, swelling, and the glass transition temperature is presented. Additionally, the use of Fick's law in describing the sorption dynamics of carbon dioxide and nitrogen in polymer + gas systems is discussed.