Mathematical modeling of the copolymerization of α-methylstyrene with maleic anhydride in a heterogeneous environment

Abstract

A mathematical model based on the kinetic scheme of the copolymerization of α-methylstyrene and maleic anhydride is described. An infinite number of ordinary differential equations, describing infinite number of the reaction components, is used. Using the method of statistical moments, the infinite system of ordinary differential equations is reduced to a system with a finite number of equations. Thus, it becomes solvable. Numerical solutions to the target system are used to determine the average molecular properties such as number average and weight average molecular weights and polydispersity index.