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Thermal modeling of polymerizing polymethylmethacrylate, considering temperature-dependent heat generation
B R Baliga1, P L Rose, A M Ahmed
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Journal of Biomechanical Engineering
|May 1, 1992
Summary
This study presents a new model for heat generation during polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymerization. The model accurately predicts thermal behavior, aiding in the safe and efficient processing of PMMA materials.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Heat Transfer
Background:
- Exothermic polymerization processes, like that of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), generate significant heat.
- Accurate thermal modeling is crucial for controlling reaction rates and ensuring process safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a robust methodology for modeling unsteady heat conduction in PMMA during exothermic polymerization.
- To formulate a temperature-dependent model for the volumetric rate of heat generation.
Main Methods:
- A novel model for volumetric heat generation was developed, incorporating three key parameters.
- Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) was used for empirical determination of model parameters.
- The model was integrated into finite volume methods for simulating unsteady, one-dimensional, radial heat conduction in cylindrical coordinates.
Main Results:
- The proposed heat generation model was successfully incorporated into a finite volume framework.
- Simulations were performed for two test cases, demonstrating the model's applicability.
- Encouraging results were obtained, validating the methodology's effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- The developed methodology provides an effective approach for the thermal modeling of exothermic polymerization.
- This work contributes to a better understanding and control of thermal phenomena in PMMA production and similar processes.