Open AccessMathematical modeling of polystyrene particle size distribution produced by suspension polymerization
Author(s) -
Ricardo Antônio Francisco Machado,
José Carlos Pinto,
Pedro Henrique Hermes de Araújo,
Ariovaldo Bolzan
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
brazilian journal of chemical engineering/brazilian journal of chemical engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.313
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1678-4383
pISSN - 0104-6632
DOI - 10.1590/s0104-66322000000400004
Subject(s) - polystyrene , suspension polymerization , breakage , suspension (topology) , polymerization , coalescence (physics) , materials science , population balance equation , rheology , styrene , particle (ecology) , particle size distribution , chemical engineering , particle size , population , composite material , polymer , physics , copolymer , mathematics , engineering , oceanography , demography , homotopy , sociology , astrobiology , pure mathematics , geology
Particle size distribution (PSD) of polystyrene particles produced by suspension polymerization is of fundamental importance in determining suspension stability and product quality attributes. Within a population balance framework, a model is proposed for suspension polymerization reactors to describe the evolution of the PSD. The model includes description of breakage and coalescence rates in terms of reaction kinetics and rheology of the dispersed phase. The model is validated with experimental data of styrene suspension polymerization