Free Radical Polymerization of Styrene in a Batch Reactor up to High Conversion

Abstract

<p> The transient behaviour of a batch stirred-tank reactor (BSTR) for free radical polymerization of styrene in toluene has been studied experimentally and theoretically. A kinetic model applicable to high conversions was developed using data from measurements of monomer conversion and molecular weight distribution (MWD). Significant improvement over the conventional kinetic model is obtained when the viscosity or gel effect is accounted for. The termination rate constant and catalyst efficiency are allowed to vary with viscosity. The findings agree with the general theory of diffusion-controlled reaction which predicts that viscosity is the most important parameter.</p>