Thermophysical Properties of the Green Solvent Polyethylene Glycol

Abstract

Environmental concerns are a continuous topic of interest for research in all commercial, industrial, and research fields. Ways to stay environmentally friendly without compromising cost and efficiency are constantly under investigation, especially in the field of chemical synthesis and processing. Interest in environmental conservation and protection in the field of chemistry has led to the creation of organizations such as the Green Chemistry Institute and programs such as the Pollution Prevention Program that promote and support research on environmentally friendly chemistry. There is a significant incentive for research on potential “green solvents,” headed by the research initiative of the Green Chemistry Program (established 1991) in the United States. Currently accepted green solvents, where “green” refers to products that reduce or eliminate the production and usage of hazardous materials, include water, supercritical carbon dioxide, and ionic liquids.1 However, the widespread implementation of a green solvent requires other notable considerations aside from its environmentally friendly properties. (from Introduction)