Simulation of particle size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization through a modified population balance approach

A detailed mathematical model for particle size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization of styrene and vinyl acetate is proposed on the basis of the population balance in the presence of several kinetic and mass transfer processes. This study is limited to the Smith-Ewart case II, which assumes instantaneous free radical termination within polymer particles. Radical desorption mechanism from polymer particles is included in the model and the desorption rate is formulated from the diffusion theory which suggests that the rate coefficient should be inversely proportional to the surface area of polymer particles