Upscaling microwave-assisted polymerizations

Driven by the success of microwave-assisted polymer chemistry as outlined in the other chapters of this series, the need for upscaling these processes has been identified. Within this chapter an overview is given of the general aspects of upscaling microwave-assisted polymerizations via both large batch reactors and continuous flow microwave reactors. Important challenges and limitations such as microwave penetration depth for large batch reactors and intrinsic temperature gradients in tubular flow reactors are discussed. An overview of the literature reports on upscaling of microwave-assisted polymerizations is also given