Auto-Acceleration Effect in Free Radical Polymerization. A Comparison of the CCS and MH Models

Abstract

A comparison of the structure and performance behaviour of two popular models for modelling diffusion-controlled kinetics in free radical polymerization (the so called Chiu-Carratt-Soong, CCS, and Marten-Hamielec, MH, models) is presented. It is demonstrated that if some modifications on their structure are made, and some of the most recent findings in this area are incorporated into them, a new model is obtained. This new model has at most the same degree of complexity as the preceding models, but is capable of producing more accurate and reliable predictions, even for weight average molecular weight at high conversions. Bulk and solution styrene polymerization data are used to make the comparison analysis and test the predictive power of the new model.