A Chemical Engineering Approach for the Multicriteria Optimization and the Prediction of Latex Properties

Abstract

Modeling an emulsion polymerization process is of special interest for the prediction of the corresponding latex properties and optimization of several polymer features. A chemical engineering approach is used to elaborate a tendency model, able to predict, with sufficient precision, the conversion, the particles number and polymer properties such as number and weight average molecular weights. This simulation model can be used in a multicriteria optimization procedure to obtain the desired quality of the product with a high productivity. The approach is applied on a well-known system: emulsion polymerization of styrene.