Optimization of Operating Policies for the Synthesis of Tailored Gradient Copolymers via NMP

FORTUNATTI, CECILIA; SARMORIA, CLAUDIA; BRANDOLIN, ADRIANA; ASTEASUAIN, MARIANO

Porto de Galinhas

Simposio; XIV Latin American Symposium on Polymers (Simpósio Latino Americano de Polímeros ? SLAP) and XII Ibero American Congress on Polymers (Congresso Ibero Americano de Polímeros - CIP); 2014

Brazilian Polymer Association - ABPol

In this work we present an optimization study of the nitroxide mediated polymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in a semibatch reactor in order to obtain linear gradient copolymers. A previous model of the process that includes the prediction of the bivariate MWD of the polymer was employed. This model was included in an optimization framework from which optimal initial charge and feed policy are determined for synthesizing a polymer with a predetermined gradient composition profile. The optimal operating policy results in a gradient copolymer with a composition profile very close to the target composition. Besides, it is also observed that the characterization of the produced material could be incomplete without the obtainment of the full MWD.