Phase equilibria in binary systems formed by a hyperbranched aliphatic polyester and alcohols

Hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) possess unique properties that make them interesting for use in a wide variety of applications. Examples are their potential use in separation processes such as distillation and solvent extraction. The design of the separation process demands a thorough knowledge of the phase behaviour in systems composed of HBPs and common organic solvents. This contribution reports on the phase behaviour in binary systems formed by the hyperbranched polyester H3200 and alcohols. Both liquid-liquid and solid-liquid equilibria were investigated. It was shown that a small amount of water present in these systems has a significant impact on the extent of the liquid-liquid phase split. At temperatures below 325 K alcohol solutions of H3200 form gels over a wide concentration range of the polymer. It seems that in these systems gelation results from arrested phase instability.