Copolymerization is a very widely used industrial process — in fact, it is the dominant process in macromolecular chemistry. Copolymerization: Toward a Systematic Approach addresses this field, treating the definition of various kinetic models, their estimation through different calculation methods, the discrimination among kinetic models by means of composition data, and the influence of the reaction environment upon the values of reactivity ratios. Both binary and ternary coploymerization processes are considered.

The accompanying CD-ROM includes 15 computer programs devoted to copolymerization-related issues, which are particularly helpful for finding solutions to problems raised by the use of composition equations, estimating copolymer composition according to monomer composition, fitting confidence intervals, calculating azeotrope compositions, and more.

From the Preface: “...This book attempts to identify the basic elements of most papers published in this field and to filter them through a consistent evaluation strategy. Particular attention is given to elements of the composition equation: real values of reactivity ratios (for binary and ternary copolymerization) and actual comonomer concentrations (for solution, emulsion, and suspension copolymerization). The quality and effectiveness of experimental programs is also discussed...”

Target Audience: Polymer chemists and technologists, especially those concerned with copolymerization reactor design and the ability to predict reaction rate constants; also upper level students of polymer science.

Table of Contents:

Binary Copolymerization

Estimation of Reactivity Ratios

Ternary Copolymerization

Going Beyond the Limits of the Terminal Model

Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Copolymerization

Running a Copolymerization Process

Bibliography

Index