Modeling of polymerization of melamine and formaldehyde using a functional group approach

A functional group approach that accounts for the formation of higher oligomers was used in modeling the batch polymerization of melamine and formaldehyde. Five rate constants are required instead of 24 as needed in earlier studies to fit experimental data in the entire range. The model presented allows the formation of higher oligomers even though their formation is small. The batch polymerization of melamine and formaldehyde was studied under a wide variation of reaction parameters to find conditions that would lead to formation of higher oligomers preferentially.