Polymerization Kinetics Study, Modeling and Predictive Control of Chemical Reactors

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The goal of this research proposal is to carry out studies on polymerization kinetics, process modeling and nonlinear control of polymer reactors. One part of the research activity will focus on studying experimentally nitroxide mediated polymerization (NMP) of styrene and its comonomers, which fundamental characteristics is to produce polymers with low molecular weights. Academic and industrial interests in this particular polymerization have expanded in different avenues: kinetics studies, design of new initiators/alkoxyamines and industrial applications. Open literature shows that more kinetics studies are required for further understanding of the process behavior. Our lab is equipped with an ampoule experimental set-up to carry out polymerization kinetics study and a 2L reactor vessel for pilot-plant process development. The purpose of the experimental investigation is to elucidate the physico-chemical phenomena of this particular polymerization and develop a comprehensive kinetic model that will be validated with the data collected in this study. Characterization of the polymer samples will be conducted to reveal the molecular weight distribution, chain length and branching of the polymer. The process modeling will help to interpret the experimental findings and reveal the main factors affecting the end-use polymer properties and chain length of polymer structures. Data-validated kinetic models can also be used to improve the operation of polymer reactors in continuous and semi-continuous modes. Further, the benefit of dynamic modeling can be employed to address the issue of unavailable online measurements of polymer molecular weight, enhance process design and process control at both the academic and industrial levels. The proposed research project is ultimately intended to promote innovation and a research program in polymer reaction engineering at Ryerson as well as train highly qualified personnel for Canadian industries.