Strong degradation of polycarbonate and polystyrene by the CO2 capture solvent diethyl sebacate

Abstract

AbstractWe report on observations of strong degradation of a polycarbonate vessel by a solvent being considered for a CO2 capture process, diethyl sebacate. This degradation led to failure of a polymeric hollow fiber membrane unit. Additional tests showed rapid degradation of polycarbonate safety glasses and polystyrene‐based petri dishes by exposure to diethyl sebacate at ambient conditions. We also report on safe operations with diethyl sebacate in extensive experiments studying the corrosion of steel in CO2‐pressurized reactors lined with PTFE and using PTFE gaskets. Used diethyl sebacate was also stored for long time periods in bottles made from low‐density polyethylene bottles without physical deterioration. These observations indicate that care must be taken in development of new contactors and processes for CO2 capture with diethyl sebacate and related solvents and in the choice of material for storage.