Modelling of vinylidene fluoride emulsion polymerization

Abstract In the present study, a comprehensive mathematical model for the emulsion polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) in a semi-batch reactor is developed. The predictive capabilities of the model are demonstrated by a direct comparison of model predictions with experimental data on the monomer feed rate, monomer conversion, molecular weight averages and molecular weight distribution, mean particle size and particle size distribution, for a batch VDF emulsion polymerization reactor. It is shown that there is a good agreement between model predictions and experimental data.