Toward the development of a mathematical model for the bulk in situ radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate in the presence of nano‐additives

Abstract

The effect of nano‐additives on the radical polymerization kinetics of methyl methacrylate is investigated through a simulation model. The mathematical model developed is based on the elementary chemical reactions that take place and the detailed mass balance equations. To account for the effect of diffusion‐controlled phenomena on the initiation, propagation, and termination reaction, appropriate theoretical equations based on sound principles such as the free volume theory were developed. The model predictions were found to be in satisfactory agreement with literature data for both monomer conversion as a function of time, and final product average molecular masses and molecular mass distribution of the produced polymer. It is believed that this work could be used to further investigate radical polymerization in the presence of nano‐additives.