Premium
Optimization of batch solution polymerizations: Simulation studies using an inhibitor and a chain‐transfer agent
Author(s) -
Oliveira Artur T. M.,
Biscaia Evaristo C.,
Pinto José Carlos
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4628(19980808)69:6<1137::aid-app11>3.0.co;2-q
Subject(s) - dispersity , chain transfer , styrene , transfer agent , chain (unit) , polymer , polymer chemistry , molar mass distribution , materials science , chemistry , polymerization , chemical engineering , copolymer , radical polymerization , organic chemistry , physics , engineering , astronomy
Multiobjective constrained optimizations are carried out to compute optimal operation policies for batch solution polymerizations of styrene. It is shown by simulations how specified values for conversion, average molecular weight, and polydispersity may be achieved through the proper manipulation of the temperature profile and the initial amounts of the initiator, chain‐transfer agent (modifier), and inhibitor. The optimizations show that the use of inhibitors and/or modifiers is seldomly required, unless the process economics is taken into consideration or the high‐molecular weight chain fraction of the final polymer resin is to be minimized. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1137–1152, 1998