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supercritical fluid state

physics

Quick Summary

A supercritical fluid exists beyond a substance's critical temperature and pressure, where the distinction between liquid and gas disappears. In this state, the fluid is as dense as a liquid but flows with the viscosity of a gas. This unique combination of properties allows supercritical fluids to dissolve substances effectively, acting as a better solvent than a gas but with lower viscosity than a liquid.12

Supercritical fluids have practical applications, such as in supercritical-fluid extraction (SFE) for purifying complex materials and removing substances like caffeine from coffee. They are also used in supercritical carbon dioxide turbines, which offer compact designs and improved performance compared to traditional steam turbines due to the fluid's high density and ability to transfer more energy.123

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