Molecular weight distribution control in a batch polymerization reactor using the on-line two-step method

This paper applies the two-step method to analyze the feasibility of the desired molecular weights and develops the on-line two-step method to obtain the polymer product with the desired molecular weight distribution (MWD) under process disturbances. If adequate sensors and process model are available to predict the effects of disturbances, then midcourse correction policies are obtained by using the on-line two-step method. For an illustrative example of the on-line two-step method, we conduct the styrene solution polymerization in a batch reactor system and demonstrate the excellent performance for MWD control under the measured process disturbances.