Optimal temperature profiles for methylmethacrylate polymerization in the presence of end point constraints

Abstract

Optimal temperature histories have been obtained for methylmethacrylate polymerization using a kinetic model incorporating gel and glass effects. The minimum end time problem has been studied, with end point constraints on monomer conversion and the number average chain length, μ_n. The optimization algorithm used is efficient and easy to use. It is found that the optimal temperature histories obtained when the desired chain length lies beyond the maxima in the μ_n vs. time plot differ qualitatively and significantly from those obtained when the desired μ_n lies before the maxima.