Simulation model for urea-formaldehyde reactors

A comprehensive simulation model for urea/formaldehyde (UF)-resins has been developed. The model utilizes kinetic results reported in the literature for low molecular weight systems and extends these to higher molecular weight systems by using a functional group approach. The model consists of - 9 functional groups, 5 urea groups and 4 formaldehyde groups. - 9 reactions, 5 methylolation reactions and 4 condensation reactions. In all these reactions both the formation and the decomposition reactions are included. All the kinetic constants are pH and temperature dependent.