New insights into kinetics and thermodynamics of interfacial polymerization

• Published in: Chemical engineering science Vol. 53; no. 15; pp. 2649 - 2663
• Main Authors: Karode, S.K., Kulkarni, S.S., Suresh, A.K., Mashelkar, R.A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.08.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Interfacial polymerization; kinetics; nucleation; nylon 6–10; Organic polymers; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polycondensation; Preparation, kinetics, thermodynamics, mechanism and catalysts; spinodal decomposition; thermodynamics; Interfacial polymerization; thermodynamics; spinodal decomposition; nucleation; kinetics; nylon 6–10; Amide 610 polymer; Kinetic model; Experimental test; Nucleation; Spinodal decomposition
• ISSN: 0009-2509; 1873-4405
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-2509(98)00083-9

A comprehensive model is developed for interfacial polymerization (IP), which provides new insights into the kinetics of film formation, the molecular weight distribution of the polymer as well as the mechanism of polymer precipitation. We incorporate a more general reaction scheme as well as polymer phase separation both by nucleation of the polymer-rich phase as well as by spinodal decomposition. The model predictions are verified against experimental data for unstirred Nylon 6–10 system. The model predicts that spinodal decomposition is the dominant mechanism of polymer phase separation at short reaction times. Film growth by nucleation of the polymer-rich phase dominates at larger times. The model also predicts the dominance of the nucleation mode of film growth with dilution of the organic phase. This model provides a further step towards a rational design and prediction of properties of membranes/capsules produced by interfacial polymerization.