Analytical Solution of Free Radical Polymerization: Applications- Implementing Gel Effect Using CCS Model

This article presents the implementation of the Chiu, Carratt, and Soong (CCS) gel/glass model in an analytical solution (AS) derived for the free radical polymerization under isothermal condition. This implantation allows AS to be applicable for the whole range of conversion thus making it more useful for practical applications. The results were compared with numerical solution (NS) as well as with experimental data for two different monomers: styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA). MMA with chain transfer agent was also used for this purpose. The results were found to be in good agreement with both NS and experimental data. NS with and without quasi-steady state assumption were also found to be in good agreement with each other for the entire range of conversion. As constant time step was used, the effect of stiffness on AS during gel effect was visible at low temperature compared to higher temperature

Analytical Solution of Free Radical Polymerization: Applications- Implementing Gel Effect Using AK Model

In this work, gel/glass/cage effects using the Achillias and Kiparissides (AK) model has been incorporated in the analytical solution (AS) obtained in our previous work. The AK model is based on the Chiu, Carratt, and Soong (CCS) model and free volume theory. The results of AS matched quite well with the numerical solutions as well as with the experimental data for methyl methacrylate (MMA). Various variables like termination kinetic coefficient, initiator efficiency, macroradicals concentration profile matched with the established published results. The work clearly demonstrates that AS is sufficiently flexible to accommodate gel/glass/cage effects explicitly although it was not primarily derived for these conditions. This extends the practical usage of AS for the whole range of conversion under isothermal conditions