High-pressure phase equilibrium data for the binary system carbon dioxide and ε-caprolactone

The use of polymeric materials inevitably leads to environmental impacts, which can be significant and may worsen over time. Therefore, the application of biocompatible and biodegradable polymers, as well as the study of alternative polymerization methods, has become extremely relevant in reducing negative consequences to the environment. Among these polymers, poly(ε-caprolactone), also known as PCL, has gained prominence in recent years, particularly due to its range of applications in the biomedical field. In this context, the aim of this work is to contribute to the current state of the art in the literature on high-pressure experimental data of ε-caprolactone/CO2 system, with the goal of facilitating polymerization reactions in supercritical medium. The experiments were carried out using a variable volume view cell operating in the temperature range of 313.15 to 343.15 K and at pressures from 6.65 to 22.72 MPa. The behavior of the binary system was analyzed using a P−x and PT diagrams. Vapor-liquid bubble point (VLE-BP) and dew point (VLE-DP) phase transitions were observed. Furthermore, the Peng-Robinson equation of state (EoS) with the Wong-Sandler (PR-WS) mixing rule was employed to model the phase equilibrium data obtained for the systems. This approach provides an accurate representation of the experimental phase equilibrium data.