Amphiphilic Block Copolymers in Condensed Carbon Dioxide

ORAL

Abstract

Condensed carbon dioxide represents a promising ``green'' solvent alternative on the basis of its abundance and modest critical conditions. Amphiphilic block copolymers offer the potential of enhancing the versatility and usefulness of this solvent through the formation of micelles. Our goal is to understand and define the parameters that control aggregate shape and dimensions in solution; these parameters include copolymer volume fraction and solvent density. We will present dynamic light scattering and solubility data for a series of polybutadiene-$b$-poly(hexafluoropropylene oxide) and polylactide-$b$-poly(hexafluoropropylene oxide) copolymers. At modest pressures ($<$ 500 bar), these materials are readily soluble. In addition, initial measurements suggest the formation of non-spherical micelles in solution.

–

Authors

  • William Edmonds

    Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota

  • Timothy Lodge

    University of Minnesota, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Department of Chemistry, and Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, 55455, University of Minnesota, Chemistry Department

  • Marc Hillmyer

    University of Minnesota