Transfer on Polymerization Behavior and Molecular Weight Distribution

ABSTRACT: A detailed mathematical model for styrene free radical polymerization system based on the multigrain model (MGM) and polymeric multigrain model (PMGM) has been developed to predict radial monomer concentration within the growing macro particle and particle growth factor, effective parameters on broadening of the molecular weight distribution (MWD), number and weight average of the molecular weight and poly dispersity index (PDI). In this model the more important parameter including time of polymerization, initial size of the initiator particles and diffusion resistance are illustrated through simulation. The validation of the model with experimental data has given a good agreement results and show that the model is able to predict a correct monomer profile, polymerization rate, particle growth factor and more important polymer properties represent by molecular weight and (MWD). The improved algorithm can easily be used to model industrial reactors where additional mass transfer of particles growth effects (physicochemical effects) is present. In addition, the effects of intraparticle and external boundary layer transport resistance on the kinetic behavior and polymer properties are explored