Kinetic Modeling of Non-Isothermal Anionic Styrene-Butadiene Block Copolymerization And Its Industrial Applications

Styrene-Butadiene diblock or styrene-butadiene-styrene triblock copolymers are industrially important materials for asphalt modification and adhesives. A kinetic modeling study on non-isothermal anionic styrene-butadiene diblock copolymerization system is presented. The model deals with the association/dissociation reaction of initiator and propagating ion pairs in its kinetic scheme. By comparing model calculation results with real plant data, it is possible to obtain useful ideas for more efficient plant operation. For example, the model clearly provides important relation between the reaction temperature profile and the conversion of monomers.