(383f) High-Pressure Micellar Solutions of Polystyrene-Block-Polybutadiene and Polystyrene-Block-Polyisoprene in Propane Exhibit Cloud-Pressure Reduction and Distinct Micellization End Points | AIChE

(383f) High-Pressure Micellar Solutions of Polystyrene-Block-Polybutadiene and Polystyrene-Block-Polyisoprene in Propane Exhibit Cloud-Pressure Reduction and Distinct Micellization End Points

Authors 

Winoto, W. - Presenter, University of Wyoming
Tan, S. P. - Presenter, University of Wyoming
Shen, Y. - Presenter, University of Wyoming
Radosz, M. - Presenter, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Wyoming
Mays, J. - Presenter, Oak Ridge National Laboratory


Micellar solutions of polystyrene-block-polybutadiene and polystyrene-block-polyisoprene in propane are found to exhibit significantly lower cloud pressures than the corresponding hypothetical nonmicellar solutions. Such a cloud-pressure reduction indicates the extent to which micelle formation enhances the apparent diblock solubility in near-critical and hence compressible propane. Concentration-dependent pressure?temperature points beyond which no micelles can be formed, referred to as the micellization end points, are found to depend on the block type, size, and ratio. The cloud-pressure reduction and the micellization end point measured for styrene?diene diblocks in propane should be characteristic of all amphiphilic diblock copolymer solutions that form micelles in compressible solvents.