Journal of Chemical Engineering of Japan, Vol.40, No.3, 228-234, 2007
Stochastic modeling of dynamic behavior of particle size distribution in continuous emulsion polymerization
To gain a better understanding of the dynamic behavior of continuous emulsion polymerization, the authors developed a simple stochastic model which considers the competitive interaction between polymerization reaction and aggregation of latex particles. The numerical results were then compared with the experimental data from continuous emulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate carried out under various operating conditions. The numerical and experimental results showed satisfactory agreement. It was found that the dynamic behavior of particle size distribution is affected by latex particle aggregation and the feed flow rate.
Keywords:continuous emulsion polymerization;particle size distribution;simulation;modeling;nonlinear dynamics