Analytical Solution of Free Radical Polymerization: Applications- Implementing Gel Effect Using AK Model

Abstract

In this work, gel/glass/cage effects using the Achillias and Kiparissides (AK) model has been incorporated in the analytical solution (AS) obtained in our previous work. The AK model is based on the Chiu, Carratt, and Soong (CCS) model and free volume theory. The results of AS matched quite well with the numerical solutions as well as with the experimental data for methyl methacrylate (MMA). Various variables like termination kinetic coefficient, initiator efficiency, macroradicals concentration profile matched with the established published results. The work clearly demonstrates that AS is sufficiently flexible to accommodate gel/glass/cage effects explicitly although it was not primarily derived for these conditions. This extends the practical usage of AS for the whole range of conversion under isothermal conditions.