ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the effect of reactor type and operation on molecular structure. It discusses the application of the various idealized continuous reactors to polymerization systems. The chapter considers three types of reactors: batch reactor, plug flow reactor, and continuous stirred tank reactor. The most common polymerization reactor on a numerical basis is the batch kettle. Removal of the heat of polymerization is accomplished by circulating coolant through a jacket or by refluxing monomer and solvent. In a step-growth polymerization, where the growth time of an individual chain is approximately kettle time, the effects of changing conditions are not critical because all chains will see the same environment. Design of batch reactors should be based on estimates of polymerization time from pilot plant data and/or simulation studies. The use of continuous stirred tank polymerization may be warranted for high-volume products. The nature of the reactor system results in low processing costs, high throughput, and a highly uniform product.
