A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) was employed to evaluate CO2‐polymer plasticization. Preliminary results on polystyrene‐block‐polybutadiene‐block‐polystyrene (SBS) elastomer are presented. At 22 °C under CO2 pressure, SBS undergoes compression due to hydrostatic pressure. However, sample expansion occurs upon depressurization. At 45 °C, SBS undergoes swelling of 0.7% due to CO2 plasticization, while no post‐pressurization expansion is observed. The contrasting result is explained by change in PS domain mobility and discontinuity in the density‐pressure relationship.
Linear displacement of SBS as a function of time at 56 and 134 bar CO2.
