Emulsion polymerization reactor stability: Simplified model analysis

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Abstract
A class of simplified emulsion polymerization models is developed. These models include the distribution of particle sizes and radical numbers, and the coupling of the particle initiation rate to the particle size distribution. An analytical solution to the modeling equations is found from contraction mapping. In addition, necessary and sufficient conditions for local stability are derived. These result in a simple criterion for the onset of oscillations in terms of kinetic rate constants and reactor operating conditions. The results clearly show that radical desorption, chain transfer agents, and certain types of impurities should have a strong influence on reactor stability.