Experimental cloud-point data to 260 oC and 2,500 bar are reported to demonstrate the impact of two cosolvents, acetone and methanol, on the phase behavior of polyethylene, poly(ethylene-co-2.4 mol% acrylic acid) (EAA2.4), poly(ethylene-co-3.9 mol% acrylic acid) (EAA3.9), poly(ethylene-co-6.9 mol% acrylic acid) (EAA6.9), and poly(ethylene-co-9.2 mol% acrylic acid) (EAA9.2) in ethylene. In pressure-temperature (P-T) space, the miscibility of
EAA copolymers in ethylene decreases significantly with temperature and with increasing acrylic acid content of EAA due to self-association of the acrylic acid segments. Acetone and methanol, both dramatically enlarge the solubility of EAA copolymers due to the hydrogen bonding with acrylic acids in the EAA. At low concentrations, methanol is a better cosolvent than acetone. However, the impact of methanol diminishes rapidly with increasing methanol concentration
once all the acrylic acids in the EAA are hydrogen bond with methanol molecules.
Boysen RL, "Olefin Polymers (High Pressure Polyethylene)," In M. Grayson (Ed.), Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, New York, John Wiley & Sons, 1981
Brentin RP, "Modern Plastics Encyclopedia," Chemical Week Associates, NY, 1988