Novel generalized rate equation for free radical copolymerization

A generalized copolymerization rate equation is proposed. The North equatio n of copolymerization is a special case that can be derived from the genera lized equation. According to the mass balance and charge-transfer complex ( CTC) equilibrium equation, the free monomer concentration is differentiated from the feed monomer concentration. The effects on the copolymerization r ate (the equilibrium constant, total monomer concentration, homopropagation constants, and reactivity ratios) are quantitatively calculated and discus sed. The generalized equation may be applied to not only the systems with t he participation of CTC, such as styrene/N-phenylmaleimide (PMI), but also those without the participation of CTC, such as methyl methacrylate/PMI. (C ) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.