Dynamic phenomena in free-radical polymerization processes

The dynamic evolution of a complex system with free radical polymerization is investigated in terms of the so-called continuous modeling approach, which includes analytical solution of a system of balance equations as a first step. This approach is based on the assumption that free radical chain length can be treated as a continuous variable. It is shown that, in contrast to other methods of treatment of complex systems, the use of the continuous modeling approach allows one to significantly reduce the number of independent dimensionless parameters that account for the dynamic behavior of the system. This makes it possible to analyze and compare the dynamic behaviors of different polymerizing systems under different polymerization conditions. Both short- and long-time behaviors are considered. A special problem arising when inhibitor species are present in the system is also addressed.