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Optimal operations of semibatch solution polymerization of acrylamide with molecular distribution as constraints
Author(s) -
Jang ShiShang,
Tan DiMing,
Wei IJen
Publication year - 1993
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.1993.070501113
Subject(s) - molar mass distribution , acrylamide , monomer , polymerization , polymer , work (physics) , solution polymerization , materials science , polymer chemistry , chemical engineering , thermodynamics , physics , composite material , engineering
In this work, optimal control profiles of a semibatch solution polymerization of an acrylamide system are investigated for the first time. The control variables are the monomer and initiator feed rates. The objective function is the operating time of each batch. One of the operating constraints is the maximum of the polymerization rate of the reaction, which is important due to the limitation of the heat‐removal equipment. The expected number‐average molecular weight and molecular weight distribution are also included as constraints in order to guarantee the quality of the products. A nonlinear programming approach developed by Jang and Yang is used for solving the equations. Several simulation and experimental runs show that the operation of this semibatch system is very smooth and conversions are fitted well by the model. The molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of the polymer products are also well controlled. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.