Thermodynamic data for processing polyethylene glycol with non-conventional fluids

• Melting points of PEG under pressure of propane and SF6 were determined.
• Gas solubility along the melting curve of PEG under pressure of argon and CO2 was measured.
• PGSS micronization of PEG 1500 with unconventional fluids was successfully performed.
• More uniform particles were obtained by unconventional fluids and at lower pressures.

Melting points of polyethylene glycols (PEGs) with molar masses (1500, 4000, 10 000 and 35 000) g/mol under pressure of propane and sulfur hexafluoride have been determined and were compared with previous published data with CO2 and argon. Additionally, solubilities of argon and CO2 in PEGs have been determined along the melting curve. The desorption of gases from PEG to constant mass at atmospheric conditions was followed for propane, CO2, argon and SF6–previously the system was exposed to conditions 343 K and 15 MPa. Finally, PGSS micronization of PEG with molar mass 1500 g/mol with fluids propane, CO2, argon and SF6 was successfully performed at two operating conditions: at the minimal melting point of PEG under fluid and at 328 K and 15 MPa. This is the first report of PEG micronization with unconventional fluids: propane, SF6 and argon.

PGSS micronized PEG 1500 with unconventional fluids (SF6).Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide