Polymerization reactor: The influence of "gel effect" in batch and continuous solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate

This article describes the influence of gel effect in the free radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate. A mathematical model has been developed which tries to predict the performance of batch and continuous polymerization reactors under dynamic and steady-state conditions. The influence of diffusion phenomena on the process kinetics (gel effect) is very important. The autoacceleration in the polymerization rate of the batch reactor and the multiple steady state for the continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) are connected with the attainment of critical conditions in the system. Such a model is useful for the design of the reactor and the choice of the control system.