Modeling and simulation of thermal bulk polymerization of styrene in CSTR

Modeling and simulation of thermal bulk polymerization of styrene in CSTR is reported. The influence of polymerization temperature and residence time on conversion, rate of polymerization, relative molecular weight (Mr) and its distribution (MrD), viscosity and density of product were discussed. The results show that polymerization temperature determines Mr and MrD of product and affects conversion, rate of polymerization and viscosity. The effect of residence time on Mr and MrD of product is weak, but is significant on conversion and density. For production of polystyrene with desired quality, these two important operation parameters should be selected carefully. A mechanism model is established and it is in agreement with experimental data. An empirical correlation equation is proposed for the convenience of application.