Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology has emerged as a pivotal strategy for mitigating CO₂ emissions. Polymers play an essential role in ensuring the safe and efficient conveyance of CO₂ transport due to their lightweight nature, adaptability, and chemical resistance. These attributes make them suitable for managing the extreme pressures and temperatures inherent in CO₂ transport chains, thereby minimizing risks of leakage and structural failures. This study presents a comprehensive approach in experimental characterization and modeling of CO₂ interactions with polymeric components, both thermoplastics and elastomers. The investigation focuses on assessing the suitability of these materials for CO₂ transport applications through sorption and permeation experiments conducted across various operative conditions (Fig.1a).
A critical aspect is the examination of CO₂-induced effects on polymer matrices, specifically addressing phenomena such as swelling and plasticization. The dissolution of CO₂ can lead to increased chain mobility and augmented free volume, particularly in elastomeric materials, owing to their higher solubility for CO₂. These changes can significantly alter the mechanical and thermal properties of the polymers, including reductions in glass transition temperature (Tg) and modifications in energy storage capacity, leading to potential issues in structural applications (Fig. 1b). To elucidate the mechanisms governing gas uptake and transport, the experimental findings are analyzed using thermodynamic equations of state (EoS) to describe solubility behavior in amorphous polymers, while standard transport model (STM) is employed to represent gas permeation.
By advancing our understanding and modeling capabilities of the complex interactions between supercritical CO₂ and polymers, this work contributes to the development of more reliable and efficient materials for industrial applications within the CCS framework.

Gaia Lazzari

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