Copolymerization of carbon dioxide and ethyl vinyl ether at subcritical and supercritical conditions

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 2003-09, Vol.89 (12), p.3167-3174
• Main Authors: Yokoyama, Chiaki, Kawase, Yasuo, Shibasaki-Kitakawa, Naomi, Smith Jr, Richard L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; catalysts; Copolymerization; Exact sciences and technology; Organic polymers; phase behavior; Physicochemistry of polymers; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.12553

The copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) and ethyl vinyl ether (EVE) at subcritical and supercritical conditions was studied in the presence and absence of an aluminum triacetylacetonate [Al(acac)3] catalyst. The experiments took place at 313–423 K and 4–15 MPa and for reaction times of 12–120 h. We confirmed that CO2 could copolymerize with EVE with or without the Al(acac)3 catalyst, regardless of whether the vessel wall material was Teflon or stainless steel. With the Al(acac)3 catalyst, a maximum yield of 3.2% polymer was obtained at 338 K, 6 MPa, and 45 h. The maximum value of the average CO2 fraction was about 50% (100% of the theoretical) at 338 K, 15 MPa, and 45 h. Results confirmed the mechanism and pathways proposed earlier by Soga et al. (1973). There was a trade‐off between yield and the CO2 fraction incorporated into the polymer as conditions changed from subcritical to supercritical. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3167–3174, 2003