Gel effect in free radical polymerization: Model discrimination of its cause

Gregory A. O'Neil*, Marc B. Wisnudel, John M. Torkelsen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

31 Scopus citations

Abstract

A mathematical model was developed to compare free radical polymerization conversion-time data to predictions based on different physical processes likely controlling termination. Comparison of the isothermal experiments showed that methyl methacrylate (MMA) formation of higher M polymer leads to a stronger C-dependence for kt. For styrene, the C-dependence of kt appears far too weak to be described by monomeric radical or segmental diffusion. This may be associated with short-long termination, as substantial chain transfer in styrene polymerization may result in a population of short, very mobile chains, enhancing termination and lowering of its C-dependence.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1226-1231
Number of pages6
JournalAIChE Journal
Volume44
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Environmental Engineering
  • General Chemical Engineering

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