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Ziegler-Natta and Metallocene Catalyzed Polymerization
Ziegler-Natta catalysts and metallocene catalysts are widely used in the polyolefins industry to manufacture olefin polymers and specialty polymers. In our laboratory, we investigate the kinetics of polymerization, physical & chemical phenomena such as phase transitions during polymerization, and other important process related problems.
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The polymerization process systems of interests are: solution, slurry, and gas phase polymerization of alpha-olefins and vinyl monomers. In our recent research, we study the kinetics of ethylene-cyclic olefin copolymerization and syndiospecific polymerization of styrene with various types of metallocene catalysts. We investigate the molecular and micro-structures of Syndiotactic polymers and potential advanced applications.
The modeling, analysis, control and optimization of industrial polyolefin reactors are also very important areas of our research. We have collaborated with several major polyolefins manufacturing companies to develop state-of-the-art polymerization reactor models such as gas phase polymerization reactors, loop reactors, and stirred slurry reactors.
Experimental Facility High pressure reactor system (up to 1000 bars) Medium pressure reactor system (up to 10 bars) Low pressure glass reactor system (up to 50 psi) |
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Melt Polycondensation of Aromatic Polyesters and Polycarbonates
Polyesters such as poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and bisphenol-A polycarbonate are two of the fastest growing engineering thermoplastics. In our research, we have developed both experimental and theoretical modeling expertise for the analysis and design of industrial melt polycondensation processes. Our laboratory is equipped with a high temperature-low pressure rotating disk melt polycondensation reactor that can be used to simulate industrial polymerization conditions. |
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In our current research projects, we are investigating the kinetics of solid state polymerization and the development of novel forced gas sweeping polymerization processes for the manufacture of high molecular weight condensation polymers.
Experimental Facility 1L High temperature/low pressure reactor for kinetic study (up to 300oC, < 5 mmHg) Rotating disk reactor (up to 300oC, < 5 mmHg)
Model continuous rotating disk reactor for flow visualization |
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Modeling, Optimization, and Control of Polymerization Reactors
Industrial polymerization process systems pose challenging control problems due to high reaction exothermicity, nonlinear reaction kinetics, and difficulties in on-line property measurements. Our research group has been developing on-line state estimation and control techniques for free radical and transition metal catalyzed olefin polymerization reactors. When a process model is coordinated with stochastic state/parameter estimators such as extended Kalman filter, the estimation of unmeasured state variables and polymer properties (e.g., MW and MWD) becomes possible. In particular, we have developed a novel MWD control technique for free radical polymerization of vinyl monomers and tested its feasibility through laboratory experimentation (Please see Publications/Free radical polymerization page)
Experimental Facility 4L Computer interfaced stainless steel stirred tank reactor (decommissioned) Gel permeation chromatograph |
