A practical kinetic model for polyvinyl chloride polymerization in batch reactors

Vinyl chloride monomer plays a significant contribution to the chemical industry, serving as a fundamental component for the synthesis of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This material is distinguished as one of the most extensively manufactured polymers worldwide, finding wide application due to its physical properties, providing good durability, affordable cost, and ease of handling. Although certain mathematical models can be found in literature, implementing the multiphase model with kinetic and diffusive effects demands a considerable set of adjustable parameters, making it challenging to reproduce in industrial sites. In contrast, this study describes the dynamic process of vinyl chloride (VC) polymerization by suspension in a batch reactor to produce PVC. The proposed approach considers a simplified yet robust model that requires fewer adjustable parameters, enabling easier implementation and corroborating with experimental data from the literature. By solving systems of algebraic and differential equations, the proposed model accurately reproduces experimental data for the conversion of VC to PVC, specifically for the initiators PW-40 and AIBN. Additionally, the model delivers superior results compared to those obtained using Aspen® Plus PVC module, a commercial platform widely employed in the industry for polymerization process modeling. These improvements are achieved without introducing excessive complexity, making the model a practical and efficient tool for industrial applications, such as the modeling and optimization of PVC reactors.