The solubility of low molecular weight Poly(Dimethyl siloxane) in dense CO2 and its use as a CO2-philic segment

Study on the optimization of silicone copolymer synthesis and the evaluation of its thickening performance

“…14 The laminar state still existed according to Re ¼ 0.43. The relative viscosity between the mixture uid and pure CO 2 could simultaneously be considered as eqn (14).…”

“…Compared with other measurement equipment, an accurate viscosity could not be obtained according to eqn (14), and the simplicity of the viscosity calculations is shown. Table 4 presents the data for the relative viscosity of the different concentrations of thickener under different measurement conditions.…”

“…40 In contrast, siloxane polymer is advantageous because it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly, and it subsequently has attracted the interest of researchers around the world. [12][13][14] Moreover, comparisons between the water consumption of hydraulic fracturing with that of CO 2 fracturing technology have revealed some signicant differences during oileld development, and water pollution was increased. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions have also decreased based on CO 2 fracturing technology.…”

“…12,13 This has generated interest in the development of linear siloxane polymers for use as silicone thickeners. 14 Currently, uoropolymers have been recognized and deployed as good alternatives due to their enhanced solubility in CO 2 , and they have been applied in a wide range of CO 2 fracturing projects in various oilelds. [37][38][39][40][41] Despite their enhanced solubility, the application of uoropolymers is limited because they tend to pollute the groundwater during the oileld development process and they are very expensive when deployed as a thickener.…”

Evaluation of CO2‐philicity and thickening capability of multichain poly(ether‐carbonate) with assistance of molecular simulations

“…However, polymers are very difficult to dissolve in carbon dioxide, only CO 2 ‐philic polymers can dissolve well in carbon dioxide. Currently, the most soluble polymers in carbon dioxide are fluoropolymers 19–26 and silicon polymers 27–31 . However, the costliness, environmental permanence 32 and co‐solvent demand restrict their application.…”