Rigorous approach to kinetic parameters: polymerization of styrene with benzoyl peroxide in carbon tetrachloride

Both the rate constant of initiator dissociation, kd, and the chain transfer constant, Cx, are determined by monitoring the rates of monomer and transfer agent conversions in a chain polymerization. Statistical analysis that takes into account the errors of experimental variables has been used to treat the kinetic data for the polymerization of styrene initiated by benzoyl peroxide (Bz2O2) in carbon tetrachloride at 60°C. Values of kd and Cx produced by this error-in-variable method (EVM) are in accordance with those reported in literature. More important, the EVM algorithm always results in the smallest standard deviations of estimates, and hence, it is superior to the usual least-squares calculations. Other distinct features of the method are outlined. The initiator efficiency for Bz2O2 is estimated to be 0.72 under the present conditions.