MODELING STUDIES OF THE CONTROLLED ANIONIC COPOLYMERIZATION OF BUTADIENE AND STYRENE

The anionic polymerization of isoprene with n-butyl lithium and polar modifier such as TMEDA and tripiperdinophosphine oxide were studied and kinetic and reactor models are proposed for these systems. Reactor conversion, molecular weight distribution and polymer glass transition temperature had been calculated from the model and compared favorably to the actual data for various combinations of reactor systems and operating conditions. Simulations of the model can be used to design reactor systems and predict polymer properties of large-scale operations from results of small scale batch reactor runs.