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• Effect of PE-g-MAH on the Properties of LLDPE\PLA Blend for Packaging Films 
• Studies on Properties of Photo / Bio-Degradable Plastics (Polymer alloys & blends and Composites)

• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Alcock, Benjamin & Lund, Reidar (2025). Influence of Fluorine Content and Carbon Black Loadings on Fluoroelastomers for CO2 Pipeline Transport. ACS Applied Polymer Materials. 7(17), p. 11827–11840. doi: 10.1021/acsapm.5c02277. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fluoroelastomers (FKMs) are widely used in oilfield seals due to their chemical resistance and thermal stability, yet their performance under liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) conditions remains insufficiently understood. This study investigates the performance of two FKMs, a copolymer (FKM1) and a terpolymer (FKM2), each formulated with carbon black (CB) loadings of 0, 25, and 37.5 wt %, under exposure to liquid CO2 at 23 ± 2 °C and 58 ± 2 bar, which are representative of typical CO2 pipeline transport conditions. The compounds were characterized through in-situ swelling measurements and, before and after exposure, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile testing, and compression set (CS). Morphological evaluation was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) on cryogenically fractured samples. The results show that FKM2, which contains higher fluorine content and estimated cross-linking density, exhibits lower swelling during and after decompression, improved dimensional recovery, and more stable mechanical performance following CO2 exposure compared to FKM1. The addition of CB reduces CO2-induced rapid gas decompression (RGD) effects and increases tensile strength and stiffness, while reducing elastic recovery at higher filler loadings. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) shows negligible changes in polymer structure following exposure to LCO2 in both FKM types. Overall, this study highlights that factors such as cross-link density, fluorine content, and carbon black loading are important when selecting fluorinated elastomers for CO2 transport applications.

• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Lund, Reidar; Alcock, Benjamin & Ansaloni, Luca (2025). The Effect of Crosslinking Density and Carbon Black Content on the Performance of EPDM for CO2 Transport Applications. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. ISSN 0021-8995. 142(32). doi: 10.1002/app.57289. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The escalating demand for efficient and sustainable carbon capture and storage technologies requires robust materials capable of withstanding the challenging temperature and pressure conditions encountered in CO2 transport systems. To address this need, this research investigates the suitability of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) elastomers as potential materials for carbon dioxide (CO2) transport systems, such as seals and gaskets. This research presents a detailed characterization of the effect of varying degrees of crosslink density and carbon black content. Insights into CO2 uptake and reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg) following exposure to liquid carbon dioxide (LCO2) are presented. The work also focuses on the investigation of CO2 permeability, diffusivity, and solubility in EPDM using a constant volume and variable pressure method at different temperature and pressure conditions. The work extends to the extraction of EPDM using various solvents that are liquid at ambient conditions, examining their subsequent changes in thermal, mechanical, and CO2 transport properties.

• Signorini, Virginia; Muthukamatchi, Anu; Ansaloni, Luca; Peters, Thijs; Alcock, Ben & Fiorini, Maurizio [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Characterization of the Elastomer Response to High-Pressure CO2 for Use in Carbon Capture and Storage Applications. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research. ISSN 0888-5885. 64(12), p. 6704–6716. doi: 10.1021/acs.iecr.4c04452. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  CO2 transport efficiency is vital for the success of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) which is considered one of the most viable solutions to limit CO2 release in the atmosphere, aiming to reach net-zero CO2 emissions. To increase transport efficiency, CO2 must be compressed and transported as a liquid or supercritical fluid, conditions that might affect the performance of the materials employed. In fact, polymers may absorb CO2 molecules during their handling via pipelines and ships and this can lead to plasticization and the risk of rapid gas decompression (RGD) damage when the CO2 pressure is released. In this concern, elastomers comprise only a small portion of the CCS value chain because they are mainly used as seals and gaskets; however, they are essential elements for controlling leakage. This work presents the results of a comprehensive experimental characterization of high-pressure CO2 compatibility in common elastomers, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), natural rubber (NR), and butyl rubber (IIR), via thermal, mechanical, and transient-sorption experiments. From the results obtained, we saw that CO2 solubility is always lower than 0.09 gCO2/gpol for all materials, while permeability reaches values higher that 100 Barrer at 45 °C for EPDM and NR. The role of reinforcing fillers incorporated into the polymer matrix has been also analyzed with a focus on evaluating their influence on mechanical properties and CO2 transport properties. In this concern, swelling decreases from 400 to 70% from NR to EPDM, as the filler content increases, suggesting a positive interaction between the two phases. The extent of the analysis has been then upgraded by performing a modeling description of the results through the use of a thermodynamic equation of state (EoS) approach, thanks to which the polymer–penetrant interaction can be predicted in a wider range of pressure and temperature, down to cryogenic environments, as the one required for the CCS transport chain.

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• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Lund, Reidar; Alcock, Benjamin; Ansaloni, Luca & Peters, Thijs (2024). Characterisation and Performance Evaluation of Elastomers for Carbon Capture and Storage Infrastructure: A Focus on CO2 Transportation. Full text in Research Archive
• Ansaloni, Luca; Ghiara, Emma; Signorini, Virginia; Muthukamatchi, Anu; Minelli, Matteo & Baschetti, Marco Giacinti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Effect of CO2 on non-metallic materials to be used in CO2 transport via ship. Full text in Research Archive
• Ansaloni, Luca; Ghiara, Emma; Signorini, Virginia; Muthukamatchi, Anu; Minelli, Matteo & Baschetti, Marco Giacinti [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Effect of CO2 on non-metallic materials to be used in the ship scenario for CO2 transport. Full text in Research Archive
• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Lund, Reidar; Alcock, Benjamin; Ansaloni, Luca & Peters, Thijs (2023). Experimental characterization of elastomers for the CO2 transport applications. Full text in Research Archive
• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Lund, Reidar; Alcock, Benjamin; Ansaloni, Luca & Peters, Thijs (2022). Polymer materials for CO2 transport applications. Full text in Research Archive
• Muthukamatchi, Anu; Lund, Reidar; Alcock, Ben & Ansaloni, Luca (2025). Polymer Materials for CO2 Transport Applications. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This thesis investigates the suitability of elastomeric materials for CO2 transport applications within Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) infrastructure by examining their thermal, mechanical, and structural responses to CO2 exposure. The ability of these materials to maintain their performance under relevant CO2 transport conditions is essential for ensuring operational reliability. While elastomers are widely used in sealing applications due to their flexibility, resilience, and chemical resistance, their interaction with CO2 can result in plasticization, swelling, and irreversible alterations in their physical and mechanical properties. This thesis systematically evaluates the effects of CO2 exposure on different elastomer systems, identifying key parameters that influence their behavior in CCS environments. Article 1 focuses on Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) elastomers, examining the influence of crosslinking density and carbon black content on CO2 uptake, permeability, diffusion behavior, and mechanical performance. To assess CO2 transport properties, permeation tests using the constant volume and variable pressure method are conducted, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile testing provide insights into the thermal and mechanical responses of the materials. This study evaluates how material parameters impact the behavior of EPDM compounds in CO2 environments, offering a detailed understanding of their suitability for CCS transport applications. Article 2 examines fluoroelastomers (FKMs), assessing the effects of fluorine content and carbon black loading on CO2-induced plasticization, compression set, and mechanical properties. Given the widespread use of FKMs in high-performance sealing applications, this study evaluates their structural integrity using wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), along with physical and mechanical performance under relevant CO2 transport conditions. Article 3 investigates poly(epichlorohydrin-co-ethylene oxide-co-allyl glycidyl ether) (GECO) elastomers, focusing on how dual-filler systems, comprising carbon black (CB) and talc, differ from conventional CB filler alone in influencing CO2 uptake, desorption kinetics, and structural stability. Further structural characterization using WAXS and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is conducted to analyze structural changes, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examines surface morphology alterations following rapid gas decompression (RGD). Article 4 investigates EPDM, Natural Rubber (NR), and Isobutylene Isoprene Rubber (IIR), focusing on their thermal, mechanical, and transport behavior under high-pressure CO2 exposure. Experimental methods include DSC, TGA, dilatometry, DMA, and gas sorption measurements. In addition, solubility and permeability are modeled using the Sanchez–Lacombe lattice fluid equation of state and the standard transport model in collaboration with research partners. The results show that EPDM exhibits low solubility and stable mechanical properties, while NR and IIR show more pronounced reductions in modulus during CO2 exposure. IIR also displays blistering after decompression, indicating reduced mechanical integrity under rapid depressurization conditions. By integrating these studies, this thesis provides a comprehensive evaluation of different elastomers considered as potential materials for CO2 transport applications due to their unique combination of properties. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how material parameters in compound formulations affect elastomer performance under CO2 transport conditions, providing valuable criteria for material selection and optimization in CCS infrastructure.

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