Nonlinear regression by visualization of the sum of residual space appliedto the integrated copolymerization equation with errors in all variables. II. Application to the system methyl methacrylate-alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone using on-line Raman spectroscopy

The copolymerization of alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone and methyl meth acrylate in DMSO was studied by on-line Raman spectroscopy. Reactivity rati os for this system were estimated from the in situ conversion measurements. The estimates are in good agreement with estimates obtained from low-conve rsion experiments where the composition of the copolymer was analyzed by H- 1-NMR. In order to obtain reliable estimates from the Raman data in combina tion with the integrated copolymerization equation, at least two experiment s starting from different initial monomer feed fractions should be conducte d. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.