Dynamic Model of a Continuous Emulsion Copolymerization of Styrene and Butadiene

GUGLIOTTA, L. M.; BRANDOLINI, M. C.; VEGA, J. R.; ITURRALDE, E. O.; AZUM, J. L.; MEIRA, G. R.

POLYMER REACTION ENGINEERING

Año: 1995 vol. 3 p. 201 - 233

1054-3414

A dynarnic model is presented that successfully simulates an emulsion poly­merization of styrene and butadiene carried out in an industrial train of con­tinuous stirred-tank reactors. It is based on previous publications (Broad­head et al., 1985; Kozub, 1989); but it also includes: a) a set of partial differential equations to calculate the particle size distribution; and b) the effect of specific impurities such as oxygen and vinylacetylene. The model adjustment involved a set of steady-state (SS) experiments, with measure­ments along the reactor train of conversion, copolymer composition, molec­ular weights, and particle size. Minimum-time transients between two SS's were successfully simulated.