Modeling of the Emulsion Terpolymerization of Styrene, α-Methylstyrene and Methyl Methacrylate

This work deals with modeling the terpolymerization of styrene, α‐methylstyrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of an inhibitor. The model used is a “tendency model” based on the kinetics of the complex elementary chemical reactions both in the aqueous phase and in the particles. It considers the reversible propagation of α‐methylstyrene and the main physical phenomena occurring during the process, i.e., (i) partitioning of monomers, surfactant and inhibitor between the aqueous phase, polymer particles, monomer droplets and micelles; (ii) homogeneous and micellar nucleation; (iii) radical absorption and desorption; (iv) gel and glass effects. The main kinetic parameters of the model are estimated on the basis of batch experimental data in order to be able to describe the complete picture of this complex process. The model can be used to predict (with good precision) the global monomer conversion, number and weight‐average molecular weight, the average diameter and number of polymer particles and the glass transition temperature, and consequently to study the effects of AMS on conversion and terpolymer and latex characteristics. Comparison of experimental and simulated results of the weight‐average molecular weight versus conversion for the emulsion terpolymerization of styrene, alpha methylstyrene and methyl methacrylate at 60 °C.