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Emulsion polymerization kinetics and reactor design. IV. Continuous‐flow operation with recycling
Author(s) -
Lin ChenChong,
Chiu WenYen,
Huang LiChau
Publication year - 1980
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/app.1980.070250404
Subject(s) - emulsion polymerization , polymerization , continuous reactor , residence time distribution , residence time (fluid dynamics) , mixing (physics) , polymer , emulsion , materials science , monomer , molar mass distribution , flow (mathematics) , radical polymerization , kinetic chain length , thermodynamics , chemical engineering , chemistry , mechanics , organic chemistry , composite material , catalysis , physics , geotechnical engineering , quantum mechanics , engineering
A new mathematical model with a correction for radical capturing efficiency in a continuous emulsion polymerization with recycle flow has been proposed. These performance equations predict the conversion as well as molecular weight distribution of the polymer product during the continuous‐flow operation. Experimental results obtained with vigorous mixing associated with a premixer are in best agreement with the theoretical prediction. In certain situations, the recycling provides a means for obtaining a higher degree of back‐mixing with a normal flow reactor. However, it is difficult to obtain a high conversion of monomer by a continuous emulsion polymerization operation even with a long residence time. Theoretical and experimental average degrees of polymerization of polymer leaving the reactor are progressively displaced toward smaller values with greater mean residence time. According to the calculations based on our kinetic model the ratio M̄ w / M̄ n in the continuous emulsion polymerization remains constant regardless of mean residence time.