Polycarbonate block copolymers

US9994760B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Saudi Aramco Technologies Company · SA

Inventors

• Scott D. Allen · Ithaca, US
• Chris A. Simoneau · Ithaca, US
• John M. Salladay · Carmel, US
• David M. Hatfield · Midland, US
• John W. Stevens · Gillingham, GB

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 22, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 12, 2018
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02P20/54
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The disclosure pertains to amphiphilic block copolymers comprising an aliphatic polycarbonate chain coupled to a hydrophilic polymer. Such amphiphilic polymers may have the formula A-L-B, where A- is a polycarbonate or polyethercarbonate chain having from about 3 to about 500 repeating units, L is a linker moiety and —B is a hydrophilic oligomer having from about 4 to about 200 repeating units. Provided copolymers are useful as surfactants capable of emulsifying aqueous solutions and supercritical carbon dioxide. Provided copolymers also have utility as additives for use in enhanced oil recovery methods.