Competition between CO₂-philicity and Mixing Entropy Leads to CO₂ Solubility Maximum in Polyether Polyols.

ABSTRACT: In carbon dioxide-blown polymer foams, the solubility of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the polymer profoundly shapes the structure and, consequently, the physical properties of the foam. One such foam is polyurethane-commonly used for thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and cushioning-which increasingly relies on CO₂ to replace environmentally harmful blowing agents. Polyurethane is produced through the reaction of isocyanate and polyol, of which the polyol has the higher capacity for dissolving CO₂. While previous studies have suggested the importance of the effect of hydroxyl end groups on CO₂ solubility in short polyols (<1000 g/mol), their effect in polyols with higher molecular weight (≥1000 g/mol) and higher functionality (>2 hydroxyls per c

SUBMITTER: Ylitalo AS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9438450 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature