Method of moments in nonlinear free radical polymerization

Optimization of nonlinear polymerization processes, used to produce an important and industrially interesting class of polymers, poses it’s own specific challenges. These specifics are also reflected in modelling in simulating the nonlinearities such as branching and crosslinking, increasing complexity and work load. The simplest method describing averages of polymer distributions, the method of moments, was said to fail because of the so called “closure” problem. Either the full molecular weight distribution had to be modelled or assumptions such as the approximation of higher moments by Hulburt and Katz or “one radical approximation” together with quasi steady state assumption for radicals or a statistical distribution of branch points had to be used. These approximations, however, fail in the vicinity of the gel point. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract