A MODEL OF COMPLETE CLASSICAL TREATMENT OF DISPERSION RADICAL POLYMERIZATION KINETICS

Kinetic analysis of high-conversion free-radical polymerization is dis cussed in terms of the complete solution of the classical kinetic sche me, which involves initiation, propagation, termination, and chain-tra nsfer reactions. Expressions for kinetics of formation of each species existing in the polymerization mixture are presented. To demonstrate the applicability of the mathematical model, monomer conversion and th e formation of the insoluble polymer component in the dispersion polym erization of styrene and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in 2-propanol have been measured at 70 degrees C. The values obtained for k(d) and k(p)/k (t)(1/2), where k(d), k(p), and k(t) are dissociation, propagation, an d termination rate constants, respectively, are in agreement with thos e reported in the literature.