Supercritical Fluid Technologies: Basic Research Needs for DoD (Department of Defense) Applications

摘要

The workshop addressed the role of new supercritical fluid technologies for Department of Defense (DoD) applications and define the corresponding basic research needs. Potential applications of supercritical fluid technologies relevant to DoD in the broad areas of chemical analysis, reaction processes, and materials production are covered in this report. Improved analytical methods based upon supercritical fluids involving chromatography, sample extraction and complex matrix characterization using a variety of approaches, are described relevant to applications such as chemical and biological agent detection. Applications of chemical reaction processes in supercritical fluids relevant to decontamination, propellent demilitarization, hazardous waste disposal, and specific chemical syntheses are also identified as having significant potential. Materials related applications of supercritical fluids may include the production of ultra-fine ceramic powders, production of new ceramic materials by reactions in reverse micelle systems, impregnation of polymers and porous materials, film deposition, coating of particles and fibers, modification of surfaces, and separations yielding improved polymers, lubricants and other widely used substances. High priorities identified in all areas of potential application include the need for basic research aimed at an improved understanding of supercritical fluid properties, development of experimental measurement techniques for use under more aggressive conditions, and better methods to predict a fluid's solvating ability.