Dissolution of styrene–butadiene block copolymers in biodiesel

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the dissolution behavior of styrene-butadiene block copolymers in biodiesel with an eye toward developing a promising method of plastic waste disposal by burning them with engine fuel. The dissolution kinetics was investigated by high-throughput Fourier transform infrared microscopy, and the effect of the dissolution temperature on the kinetics was quantified. The activation energy of dissolution was estimated from the dissolution kinetics, and it was shown that the styrene-butadiene copolymers had higher activation energies than the neat polystyrene. The experimental studies were complemented by molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the Flory-Huggins parameters between styrene and butadiene polymers and methyl esters. The shear viscosity of the block copolymer solutions in biodiesel was measured to ascertain their suitability as fuel mixtures. Finally, the mechanical properties of the styrene-butadiene block copolymers were compared to that of poly(ethylene terephthalate). Together, these studies suggest that styrene-butadiene block copolymers may offer a more environmentally friendly alternative to poly(ethylene terephthalate).

Online Monitoring of Polymerizations: Current Status

“…[25,26] FTIR techniques are also extensively utilized to monitor block copolymer properties, self-assembly behavior, and dissolution of symmetrical diblock copolymers. [27][28][29][30] More interesting is the ability to utilize spectroscopic analysis techniques online in a continuous flow process. The true potential of flow polymerization optimization unfolds only in combination with online monitoring tools.…”

Parameterization of a mesoscopic model for the self-assembly of linear sodium alkyl sulfates

“…For all other non-bonded parameters, the range investigated has been chosen in agreement with typical values in the literature. [60][61][62][63] The pertinent χ parameter between hydrocarbon (per carbon atom) and water χ carbon-water is reported to be between 1.6 and 2.0, determined by matching the solubility data of oil in water and vice versa. 49,64 In the present study, repulsion parameter between water and tail beads a WT , varied from 90 to 104, was derived from χ WT = 2.7 to 6.0 (χ carbon-water = 0.9-2.0), corresponding to three water molecules per W bead or three carbon atoms per T bead.…”

Sustainable polymer reaction engineering: Are we there yet?

“…[ 253,256 ] Upcycling is a cost‐effective process because it utilizes inexpensive feedstock (ie, polymer waste) rather than raw materials, which typically account for 60%‐90% of production costs. [ 258 ] For example, plastic waste has been upcycled to fuels, [ 259–263 ] monomer feedstock, [ 264–267 ] carbon nanotubes, [ 268 ] and pure carbon microspheres. [ 253 ]…”

“…[253,256] Upcycling is a cost-effective process because it utilizes inexpensive feedstock (ie, polymer waste) rather than raw materials, which typically account for 60%-90% of production costs. [258] For example, plastic waste has been upcycled to fuels, [259][260][261][262][263] monomer feedstock, [264][265][266][267] carbon nanotubes, [268] and pure carbon microspheres. [253] Complexities and disparities of recycling as a tool for plastic waste management Although most plastic consumables have the capacity to be recycled, it can be perplexing that such a small fraction of them actually are recycled; globally, in 2017, this number was close to 9%.…”