Modelling of the Free Radical Polymerization of Styrene with Benzoyl Peroxide as Initiator

摘要

This paper demonstrates, through the use of a polymerization example, how mechanistic models can be built and used prior to carrying out an experimental study. Using knowledge available from the literature, it is shown that parameter ranges can be calculated within which comparable experimental results can be expected. The system chosen was the free radical polymerization of styrene with benzoyl peroxide as initiator. This polymer-initiator system was selected since a model was not already available in the literature. The model was developed in the programming language gPROMS and was validated using data obtained from a laboratory batch polymerization.