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

The copolymerization of α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactone and methyl methacrylate in DMSO was studied by on‐line Raman spectroscopy. Reactivity ratios for this system were estimated from the in situ conversion measurements. The estimates are in good agreement with estimates obtained from low‐conversion experiments where the composition of the copolymer was analyzed by 1H‐NMR. In order to obtain reliable estimates from the Raman data in combination with the integrated copolymerization equation, at least two experiments starting from different initial monomer feed fractions should be conducted. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 3804–3816, 1999