Thermal polymerization of styrene at high conversions and temperatures. An experimental study

Abstract

Abstract An experimental study of thermal polymerization of styrene in the temperature range 100–200°C and conversion range 0–100% is reported. Conversions, molecular weight averages, and molecular weight distributions were measured. A kinetic model with third‐order initiation gives a satisfactory fit of conversion and number‐ and weightaverage molecular weights over the ranges of temperature and conversion investigated. This model should find use in the design, simulation, and optimization of polystyrene reactors.