Kinetic Model for the Copolymerization of Methyl Acrylate and Propylene

Wauton, I. and Gumus, R.H.
Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
E-mail: isankpruke@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT: A copolymer from propylene and methyl acrylate would produce an alternating
copolymer of highly desirable properties for paint and allied chemical industries; indicative of
the properties of the individual homopolymers. In this work, a kinetic model was developed for
the copolymerization of propylene and methyl acrylate. A radical initiator was used for the
initiation to form a couple and subsequent propagation steps presented. Transfer specie used for
the termination step. The various rate expressions and subsequent kinetic models were
presented, thereby showing the relationship between various polymerization parameters with
time. Such parameters includes: concentration of initiator, concentration of growing polymer
chain and concentration of dead polymer chain. The models developed will prove invaluable if
annexed in the design, control and optimization of the polymer production process.