Optimization of the photochemically initiated polymerization of methyl methacrylate

The photochemically initiated polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) using benzoin as an initiator was investigated for the production of a liquid pre-polymer (PMMA) of narrow molecular weight distribution. The experiments were carried out in a batch procedure using a tubular photochemical reactor with negative irradiation geometry and connected to a reservoir. The products were characterized using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and gravimetric analysis. Initial initiator concentration and flow rate were identified as primary process parameters effecting the molecular weight distribution of the pre-polymer. Conditions for minimizing polydispersity were determined on the basis of the experimental design methodology. A series of designed experiments (Doehlert matrix) were performed for calculating the coefficients of the corresponding quadratic polynomial model. Results show that compromises have to be made between polydispersity and conversion rate.