Solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and alkyl methacrylates in a continuous stirred tank reactor(CSTR)

Continuous solution copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with ethyl methacrylate or n-butyl methacrylate was carried out in a continuous stirred tank reactor. Solvent and initiator used were toluene and benzoyl peroxide, respectively. Reaction volume was 1.2 litters, residence time 3 hours and polymerization temperature 80°C. The copolymerization conversions were analyzed by UV spectrophotometry and confirmed by measuring the solid weights of copolymers obtained after evaporating solvent. The copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and alkyl methacrylates followed the second order kinetics. The simulated conversions and copolymerization rates were compared with the experimental results. The average time to reach dynamic steady-state was three and half times of the residence time.