LAPSE:2021.0284
Published Article
LAPSE:2021.0284
Initiator Feeding Policies in Semi-Batch Free Radical Polymerization: A Monte Carlo Study
April 29, 2021
A Monte Carlo simulation algorithm is developed to visualize the impact of various initiator feeding policies on the kinetics of free radical polymerization. Three cases are studied: (1) general free radical polymerization using typical rate constants; (2) diffusion-controlled styrene free radical polymerization in a relatively small amount of solvent; and (3) methyl methacrylate free radical polymerization in solution. The number- and weight-average chain lengths, molecular weight distribution (MWD), and polymerization time were computed for each initiator feeding policy. The results show that a higher number of initiator shots throughout polymerization at a fixed amount of initiator significantly increases average molecular weight and broadens MWD. Similar results are also observed when most of the initiator is added at higher conversions. It is demonstrated that one can double the molecular weight of polystyrene and increase its dispersity by 50% through a four-shot instead of a single shot feeding policy. Similar behavior occurs in the case of methyl methacrylate, while the total time drops by about 5%. In addition, policies injecting initiator at high monomer conversions result in a higher unreacted initiator content in the final product. Lastly, simulation conversion-time profiles are in agreement with benchmark literature information for methyl methacrylate, which essentially validates the highly effective and flexible Monte Carlo algorithm developed in this work.
Keywords
initiator feeding policies, methyl methacrylate, Monte Carlo simulation, polymer microstructure, styrene
Suggested Citation
Seyedi A, Najafi M, Russell GT, Mohammadi Y, Vivaldo-Lima E, Penlidis A. Initiator Feeding Policies in Semi-Batch Free Radical Polymerization: A Monte Carlo Study. (2021). LAPSE:2021.0284
Author Affiliations
Seyedi A: Department of Polymer Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran 1417466191, Iran
Najafi M: Department of Polymer Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, P.O. Box 11155-4563, Tehran 1417466191, Iran [ORCID]
Russell GT: School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand [ORCID]
Mohammadi Y: Petrochemical Research and Technology Company (NPC-rt), National Petrochemical Company (NPC), P.O. Box 14358-84711, Tehran 1993834557, Iran
Vivaldo-Lima E: Facultad de Química, Departamento de Ingeniería Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, CU, Mexico City 04510, Mexico [ORCID]
Penlidis A: Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute for Polymer Research (IPR), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada [ORCID]
Journal Name
Processes
Volume
8
Issue
10
Article Number
E1291
Year
2020
Publication Date
2020-10-15
Published Version
ISSN
2227-9717
Version Comments
Original Submission
Other Meta
PII: pr8101291, Publication Type: Journal Article
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LAPSE:2021.0284
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doi:10.3390/pr8101291
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Apr 29, 2021
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CC BY 4.0
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Apr 29, 2021
 
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Apr 29, 2021
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Original Submitter
Calvin Tsay
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