Optimization of the Molecular Weight Distribution Shape in “Living” Free Radical Polymerization Processes

MARIANO ASTEASUAIN; MATHEUS SOARES; MARCELO K. LENZI; ADRIANA BRANDOLIN; JOSÉ C. PINTO; CLAUDIA SARMORIA

Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Congreso; XXII Interamerican Congress of Chemical Engineering; 2006

Asociación Argentina de Ingenieros Químicos

"Living" free radical polymerization is a relatively new polymerization process that can be used for preparing resins with controlled structure. In this work, a mathematical model of a nitroxide-mediated "living" free radical polymerization in a tubular reactor is used for the optimization of the process in order to obtain tailor-made MWDs. Operating conditions and design variables are determined so as to produce polymers with optimal shape of its MWD. Bimodal and trimodal MWDs with specific location of the distribution peaks are obtained.