A practical methodology for the computer modeling of
multicomponent chain-growth polymerizations, namely, free-radical and ionic systems, has been developed.
This is an extension of a
paper by Hamielec, MacGregor, and Penlidis (Multicomponent free-radical
polymerization in
batch, semi-batch and continuous reactors. Makromol. Chem.,
Macromol. Symp. 1987,
10/
11,
521). The approach is general, providing a common model framework
which is applicable to
many multicomponent systems. Model calculations include conversion
of the monomers,
multivariable distributions of concentrations of monomers bound in the
polymer chains and
molecular weights, long- and short-chain branching frequencies, chain
microstructure, and cross-linked gel content when applicable. Diffusion-controlled
termination, propagation, and initiation
reactions are accounted for using the free-volume theory. When
necessary, chain-length-dependent diffusion-controlled termination may be employed. Various
comonomer systems are
used to illustrate the development of practical semibatch and
continuous reactor operational
policies for the manufacture of copolymers with high quality and
productivity. These
comprehensive polymerization models may be used by scientists and
engineers to reduce the
time required to develop new polymer products and advanced production
processes for their
manufacture as well as to optimize existing processes.