DYNAMIC SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF EPDM TERPOLYMERIZATION WITH VANADIUM-BASED CATALYST

The development of a simplified kinetic model describing some effects observed in catalyzed olefin terpolymerization is presented. Based on the method of moments, the model describes the influence of Al/V ratio and diene concentration on reaction yield and on polymer characterist ics such as molecular weight, ethylene incorporation, and polydispersi ty. In order to verify the model validity, the terpolymerization react ions were performed using VOCl3-Al2Et3Cl3 systems and 2-ethylidenebicy clo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene (ENB) as diene. The results of dynamic simulation fit well the experimental data for Al/V up to 15, but the model fails under high diene concentration, where branching reactions, neglected by reason of simplification, become significant. (C) 19981998 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.