Abstract

A review of the use and limitations of Population Balance Equations (PBE) in the modeling of emulsion polymerisation (EP), and in particular of the particle size distribution of the dispersed system is presented. After looking at the construction of the general form of PBEs for EP, a discussion of the different approaches used to model polymerization kinetics is presented. Following this, specific applications are presented in terms of developing a two-dimensional PBE for the modeling of more complex situations (for example, the particle size distribution (PSD) and the composition of polymerizing particles). This review demonstrates that while the PBE approach to modeling EP is potentially very useful, certain problems remain to be solved, notably: the need to make simplifying assumptions about the distribution of free radicals in the particles in order to limit the computation complexity of the models; and the reliance of full models on approximate coagulation models. The review finishes by considering the different numerical techniques used to solve PBEs.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.