Characterization of Phase Equilibrium Associated with Heterogeneous Polymerizations in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide
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ABSTRACT KENNEDY, KAREN ALYCE. Characterization of Phase Equilibrium Associated with Heterogeneous Polymerizations in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. (Under the direction of Dr. George W. Roberts and Dr. Joseph M. DeSimone) This thesis details research to understand the phase equilibrium associated with heterogeneous polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), particularly the polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VF2) in scCO2. Knowledge of the equilibrium between the supercritical fluid and polymer phases may be applied to understanding the mechanisms involved in heterogeneous polymerizations in scCO2. Several experimental systems were developed and/or utilized for measuring the phase equilibrium. These included a system for measuring the swelling of solid polymer particles in the presence of scCO2, a system for measuring the mass sorption and diffusion of supercritical fluids into the polymer phase, and a system for measuring the partitioning of reactant species between the polymer and supercritical fluid phases. The sorption and swelling of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was measured at conditions similar to those of the polymerizations. The Sanchez- Lacombe equation of state was applied to modeling the binary and ternary phase equilibria for the VF2-CO2-PVDF system. Carbon dioxide exhibits a favorable interaction with PVDF that is enhanced at increasing fluid densities. Additionally, the monomer exhibits a favorable interaction with PVDF that improves the mass sorption into the polymer phase and expands the tunability of the fluid to change the polymer properties. The impact of the phase equilibrium on the precipitation polymerization of vinylidene fluoride in scCO2 is discussed. The bimodal molecular weight distribution of PVDF synthesized in CO2 could be due, in part, to the sorption of VF2 into the polymer phase and the plasticization of the polymer to facilitate propagation of the polymer chains to high molecular weights within the polymer particles. This dissertation provides a foundation for understanding the impact of the phase equilibrium on heterogeneous polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide. It provides techniques for identifying and improving conditions for polymerizations in supercritical carbon dioxide and optimizing CO2-based processes of a heterogeneous nature. This dissertation is dedicated to my grandparents, Sylvia, Ernest, Willie, Erma, and Raymond, for the legacy that started with you and your continued love and guidance which is a never ending source of inspiration to me. ii BIOGRAPHY Karen A. Kennedy began graduate studies in the chemical engineering program at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina in the fall of 1997. Her research focused on understanding the thermodynamics associated with polymerizing fluorinated monomers in supercritical carbon dioxide under the advisement of Professors George Roberts and Joseph DeSimone. Her work involved the development of equipment and models for measuring the sorption of carbon dioxide and other small molecules into polymers. This work was part of a larger effort in the Kenan CO2 Center and the NSF Science and Technology Center for Environmentally Responsible Solvents and Processes (CERSP) to access the feasibility of using carbon dioxide as an environmentally friendly alternative to solvents and water currently being used in industry. Karen served as chair of the continuous polymerization group (CPG) meeting, which fostered collaboration between members conducting similar research. Karen mentored several undergraduates in projects related to her research. In 2002, Karen was recognized by CERSP for her research and K-12 education activities with a fellowship to attend a course on global sustainability in Braunwald, Switzerland. Karen was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Karen left home at the age 15 to finish her junior and senior years of high school at a residential public high school, the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, in Natchitoches, Louisiana. While there, Karen majored in math and science and minored in piano. It was during this time that Karen decided to pursue a research career in chemical engineering. iii Following graduation from high school, Karen enrolled at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. During her tenure at Georgia Tech, Karen co- oped with Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., where she worked in manufacturing, research, and product safety. Karen worked with Professor Agaram Abhiraman at Georgia Tech to study structure-property relationships of newly developed polymers for NASA. Besides her graduate research, Karen was involved in numerous activities outside the research lab. In 1999, she served as a recruiting captain for incoming graduate students to the department. She served on panels and gave presentations to undergraduates considering graduate school. She also gave a presentation at a national convention to high school students considering college. Karen’s activities also included being a workshop presenter with the Science House, an active member and former programs chair of the National Society of Black Engineers Research Triangle Park Alumni Association, and an active member and former director of the orchestra at Martin Street Baptist Church. Following graduation, Karen will enter the Career Development Program at Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in Allentown, PA as a senior research engineer. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS There are many who have contributed in small and large ways to the completion of this dissertation and to whom I give special thanks for what they have given and what I have learned from them. I thank my Lord and Savior for his grace and mercy that has blessed me since before I was born. Psalm 138 reminds me of all that the Lord does for me. Glory be thy name. To my grandparents, I thank you for the example you have shown. You provided me with inspiration and instruction for how I live my life. To my parents, Alice and Feltus, my brothers, Bryan and Allan, and their families, I thank you for always being there for me, for taking the time whenever I needed you. I love you all very much. To my “sister” cousins, JoNell and Kendra, thank you for your friendship. With every season in life, our sisterhood grows stronger and I thank God for having you in my life. To my church family at Martin Street Baptist Church, I thank you for being my family when none was nearby. I will always remember the special times and special people at the church. You gave me friendship, support, and guidance. My relationship with God has grown stronger from the love and instruction I received at Martin Street. v To my friends in NSBE, I thank you for the opportunity for leadership, personal and professional growth, and friendship. We had some really great times and made our mark on the Triangle in professionalism and service to the community. To my research lab, I thank you for useful discussions and the interaction we shared on a daily basis. My abilities as a researcher and professional have grown from working with all of you. To my dissertation committee, I thank you for taking the time to serve on this important committee and for your useful suggestions that added to the culmination of this work. To my advisors, I thank you for your guidance and advice throughout this dissertation process. Your extensive knowledge and resources equipped me for success in my research and prepared me for my future as a researcher in industry. And finally to all my family and friends, near and far, who gave me friendship, prayers, and support. I love you and I thank you for being in my life. vi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Tables........................................................................................................xii List of Figures ......................................................................................................xv Chapter 1 Introduction ....................................................................................1 1.1 References............................................................................................4 Chapter 2 Review: Heterogeneous polymerization of fluoroolefins in supercritical carbon dioxide .....................................................5 2.1 Introduction ...........................................................................................6 2.2 Conventional Polymerization of Fluoroolefins .......................................7 2.2.1 Tetrafluoroethylene..................................................................8 2.2.2 Vinylidene Fluoride ..................................................................10 2.2.3 Copolymers .............................................................................13 2.3 Supercritical Carbon Dioxide as a Polymerization Medium...................14 2.3.1 Properties of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide..............................14 2.3.2 Advantages of Using Supercritical Carbon Dioxide .................16 2.4 Precipitation Polymerization in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide................18 2.4.1 Introduction ..............................................................................18 2.4.2 Polymerization of Tetraflouroethylene......................................19 2.4.3 Polymerization of Vinylidene Flouride ......................................20 2.4.3.1 Continuous Polymerization...........................................22 2.4.3.1.1 Polymer Properties........................................25 vii 2.4.4 Synthesis of Copolymers .........................................................28