Batch polymerization of styrene‐optimal temperature histories

Abstract

Optimal temperature histories for the batch thermal polymerization of styrene are determined using Pontryagin's maximum principle. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental measurements of conversion and molecular weight distribution. The excellent agreement suggests policy improvements in batch radical chain growth polymerizations.

Polymerization Processes, 1. Fundamentals

“…[29] Considering the complexity of the mechanisms of diffusioncontrolled termination reactions, a practical way is to use an empirical approach for reactor calculations [30][31][32]. For example, k t may be approximated by:…”

Optimal temperature profiles for methylmethacrylate polymerization in the presence of end point constraints

“…This model is continuous in nature, and is more convenient to use in engineering *To whom correspondence should be addressed. The optimization of batch reactors for chain polymerizations exhibiting the gel and glass effects has also been a subject of considerable research activity (12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21). These have followed earlier optimization studies (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29) of chain polymerizations in the absence of these two important phenomena, and have been reviewed by Farber (29) recently.…”

Computation of the near‐optimal temperature and initiator policies for a batch polymerization reactor

“…The numerical solution was achieved by using a novel vertex technique. Wu et al (1980) presented a graphical solution to the minimum time problem of styrene polymerization. They calculated optimal temperature policies required to obtain a polymer with specified conversion and number average molecular weight in minimum time.…”