gasvloeistoffen

Gasvloeistoffen, also known as supercritical fluids, represent a state of matter that is neither a true gas nor a true liquid. This unique state occurs when a substance is subjected to temperatures and pressures above its critical point. At this critical point, the distinction between the liquid and gas phases ceases to exist. A supercritical fluid possesses properties that are intermediate between those of liquids and gases. It has a density similar to that of a liquid, which allows it to dissolve substances effectively, much like a solvent. Simultaneously, it exhibits a viscosity and diffusivity comparable to those of a gas, enabling it to penetrate porous materials and flow easily. This dual nature makes gasvloeistoffen highly versatile for various applications. Commonly used gasvloeistoffen include supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) and supercritical water. Supercritical carbon dioxide is widely employed in decaffeination processes, extraction of flavors and fragrances, and as a cleaning agent. Supercritical water can be utilized for the destruction of hazardous waste and in certain chemical synthesis reactions. The tunable properties of gasvloeistoffen, which can be adjusted by altering temperature and pressure, make them attractive for environmentally friendly and efficient industrial processes, often replacing traditional organic solvents.