Supercritical fluids in polymer science and engineering

Supercritical fluid (SCF) is the transient phase of certain imperfect gases, generated above their critical point. This is the state of a matter where distinct liquid and gas phases do not exist. Above critical temperature and pressures, SCFs can effuse through solids like a gas, and dissolve materials like a liquid. In relation to polymer science and engineering, SCFs offers wide spectrum of applications as reaction media for synthesis , processing and modification of polymer materials for engineering, agricultural, biotechnological and biomedical applications. In the present talk, a brief overview will be presented on the production of SCFs through various resources and their diversified applications in the area of polymer science and engineering. Specific emphasis will be made on the technological importance of SCFs in relation to particle fabrication, nanocatalysis, polymerizations reactions, functionalization of nanostructures, dispersion of physically stacked nanoparticles into polymer matrix , development of core shell nanohybrid structures, development of  mechanically sturdy structures, target drug delivery systems, formulation of control release pesticides,  polymeric semiconductors and energy storage materials. A concluding remark will be made on sustainable entrepreneurship development through implications of supercritical fluid technologies.

Professor M.G.H. Zaidi is a full professor at the Department of Chemistry, G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. He has made pioneering contributions to the fields of polymer science and technology, His widely cited research work covers applications of polymer science and technology for critical solutions in structural engineering, electronics, waste management, energy storage, and nanobiotechnology  He has mentored about 60students including  doctorates and research fellows, in the field  of polymer science and technology.  Dr. Zaidi is a meticulous and problem-solving scientist with more than 160 publications, and several patents to his credit.