Simulation of reversible nylon-66 polymerization in homogeneous continuous-flow stirred tank reactors

Abstract

Experimental data of Ogata has been curve-fitted to obtain the forward and reverse rate constants for nylon-66 polymerization. Its molecular weight distribution (MWD) has been simulated in homogeneous continuous-flow stirred tank reactors (HCSTR) for 11 h of residence time when the reaction mass is very close to equilibrium. The set of algebraic equations have been solved using Brown's algorithm, which was found to be more efficient compared to the Gauss-Jordon techniques of solution. The MWD thus obtained is compared with our earlier simulation of the molecular weight distribution from batch reactors and was found to differ significantly. In HCSTR, the weight fraction distribution does not undergo a maximum and the polydispersity index ρ of the polymer formed is much higher than that obtained from batch reactors. The number and weight average of the polymer formed in HCSTR is found to be significantly lower.