Kinetics of Dispersion Polymerization of Styrene in Ethanol. 2. Model Validation

Abstract

Predictions of monomer conversion, polymerization rate, and evolution of particle size distribution during seeded batch and continuous dispersion polymerization obtained from simulation are compared to experimental results. An understanding of the kinetic mechanisms governing the relative prevalence of solution and microbulk polymerization has been gained. Estimates of parameters in the radical transport rate coefficient models compare favorably with values reported in the literature.