Premium
Nonisothermal suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride for enhanced productivity
Author(s) -
Darvishi Reza,
Nasr Esfahany Mohsen,
Bagheri Rouhollah
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of vinyl and additive technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.295
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1548-0585
pISSN - 1083-5601
DOI - 10.1002/vnl.21466
Subject(s) - vinyl chloride , polymerization , isothermal process , materials science , monomer , suspension polymerization , suspension (topology) , thermodynamics , diffusion , polymer chemistry , chemical engineering , polymer , composite material , mathematics , physics , engineering , homotopy , pure mathematics , copolymer
In the present study, a mathematical model is developed to numerically predict nonisothermal batch suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride. Free volume theory was used to consider diffusion‐controlled reactions. Model predictions were validated against field data obtained in a pilot scale stirred tank reactor. Variable temperature trajectory was considered during the course of the reaction to improve productivity by reducing the polymerization time for a certain conversion. Variable temperature during the course of the polymerization was successfully implemented by considering the predefined K value. By using variable temperatures during the course of the reaction, the density of the short branches per 1,000 monomer units as a criterion for structure defect remained relatively unchanged. Maximum reduction in reaction time relative to the isothermal case with the same K value and final conversion was 44% for the best temperature trajectory. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:470–478, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers