Continuous flow solution polymerization of vinyl and acrylic monomers. I -Styrene and methyl methacrylate homopolymerization

In a two papers series, the solution homopolymerization and copolymerizatio n of vinyl and acrylic monomers, styrene (S) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) in a continuous flow reactor was experimentally studied and the results com pared with a theoretical model. The reactor used was equipped with Sulzer-t ype static mixing elements. The case studied in this article is the styrene and methyl methacrylate homopolymerization. The initiators used were benzo yl peroxide (BOP) and lauryl peroxide (LP). The reactor temperature range w as 95-100 degrees C The experimental data, monomer conversion and molecular weights distribution. (MWD), were compared with the predictions of the rea ctor mathematical model. The reactor mathematical model used the kinetic mo dels developed by Marten and Hamielec.(1,2).