Day 17 of 365

January 17

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Chemistry

Supercritical Fluids

When heated and pressurized beyond their critical point, substances become supercritical fluids with properties between liquids and gases. Supercritical CO2 can dissolve materials like a liquid but flow like a gas, making it perfect for decaffeinating coffee and extracting compounds for pharmaceuticals. This state of matter combines the best properties of both phases.

💡 Did you know?

Supercritical water can dissolve metals and is used to destroy hazardous waste!

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