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Optimization of a batch polymerization reactor at the final stage of conversion. II. Molecular weight constraint
Author(s) -
O'Driscoll K. F.,
Ponnuswamy S. R.
Publication year - 1990
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.1990.070390608
Subject(s) - monomer , polymerization , polymer , methyl methacrylate , molar mass distribution , polymer chemistry , radical polymerization , limiting , batch reactor , constraint (computer aided design) , chemistry , materials science , mathematics , catalysis , organic chemistry , mechanical engineering , engineering , geometry
A mathematical model for the free radical batch solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate that takes depropagation into account was developed. This model was then used to derive optimal temperature and initiator concentration policies to reduce residual monomer concentration to desired levels, producing at the same time a polymer with the desired number average molecular weight. An objective function was formulated to take account of the cost of the initiator with respect to the cost of time of reaction. It was observed that when the cost of initiator increased, optimal initiator concentration decreased whereas optimal temperature increased. Finally temperature reached a limiting value above which polymer with desired number average molecular weight could not be produced. These results give insight into the factors that determine the policies that could be employed in optimizing the operation of a reactor.