TUNABLE DIFFUSION OF D2O IN CO2-SWOLLEN POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) FILMS

Opportunities exist to exploit the unique properties of carbon dioxide to process polymers for advanced applications. The diffusion of deute rated water in poly(methyl methacrylate) films swollen by carbon dioxi de at 35 degrees C over the pressure range 0 to 90 bar (corresponding density range: 0.0 to 0.66 g/cm(3)) was measured using in situ FTIR sp ectroscopy. The mechanism and time scale of the diffusion of deuterate d water in PMMA are easily controlled by manipulation of the applied C O2 density. The enhancement of mass transport rate is consistent with the degree of plasticization of the polymer clue to the absorption of carbon dioxide.