Extensions and applications of the SAFT equation of state to solvents, monomers, and polymers

Several recent advances have led to accurate equations of state for linear and branched chain polyatomic fluids. One of these equations of state, the Statistical Associating Fluid Theory, SAFT, proposed by Chapman et al. [W.G . Chapman, G. Jackson, K.E. Gubbins, Mol. Phys. 65 (1988) 1057-1079; W.G. C hapman, K.E. Gubbins, G. Jackson, M. Radosz, I&EC Research 29 (1990) 1709-1 721], enables engineers to predict the effects of chain length, intermolecu lar association, and compressibility on phase behavior for mixtures contain ing solvents, monomers, and polymers. The utility of SAFT is a result of it s basis in statistical mechanics in the form of Wertheim's thermodynamic pe rturbation theory. This basis in theory also allows us to systematically im prove or extend the equation of state. In this paper, we briefly discuss th e physical basis for the SAFT approach. Examples of applications of the equ ation of state are presented for mixtures of solvents, monomers, and polyme rs. Opportunities to improve the equation of state and to extend its range of applicability also are discussed. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.