Application of Parameter Selection and Estimation Techniques in a Thermal Styrene Polymerization Model

Abstract

AbstractA model is developed to describe thermally‐initiated polymerization of styrene between 100 and 170 °C. The model accounts for generation and consumption of styrene adduct. Chain transfer to adduct is the only transfer reaction used. Autoacceleration is modeled using the break‐point method of Hui and Hamielec. Using formal ranking and parameter selection techniques that account for parameter sensitivity, correlation and uncertainty, 4 of the 40 model parameters are selected for estimation to improve fit between model predictions and data. After estimation, the model predicts conversion data with a standard error of 5%, and provides excellent fit to a MWD curve obtained at 100 °C. Simulation results confirm that high‐temperature degradation reactions are not important in the temperature range of interest. magnified image