Dynamic characteristics of a CSTR with MMA polymerization

A mathematical model is developed for a CSTR in which free radical solution polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) takes place. It turns out that five ordinary differential equations are to be treated simultaneously in order to predict the reactor performance. Although the reaction proceeds under the conditions of relatively low temperature and pressure, the system shows very complex bifurcation features due to the diffusion limitation (gel effect) and the temperature dependence of the kinetic parameters and physical properties. The effects of various system parameters on the reactor performance as well as on the polymer properties are investigated by using the bifurcation analysis. The application of the singularity theory enables us to divide the parameter space into several different regions, in each of which the system takes a unique steady state structure. Under certain circumstances, complex dynamic features such as HB points and limit cycles are observed and these should be taken into consideration in the reactor design.