FTIR in situ measurement of swelling and CO2 sorption in acrylic polymers at high CO2 pressures

A FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) microscope combined to a CO2 high-pressure cell has been used determine simultaneously the uptake and swelling of acrylic polymer systems, precursors CO2-foamed polymers (PMMA), triblock copolymer (MAM) PMMA/10 wt% MAM blend. Samples were saturated with supercritical (scCO2) up high pressures (5, 10, 30 MPa) at 40 °C 130 °C. The behavior upon pressure increase is indeed different two temperatures in three showing either linear or plateau shape. These regimes are analyzed view literature. Addition 10 led significant (23% for neat PMMA 42% blend, °C, MPa). Such data useful find out, before foaming, best routes produce low-density nanoporous foams, using scCO2 as foaming agent.