Optimal temperature profiles for methylmethacrylate polymerization in the presence of end point constraints

Optimal temperature histories have been obtained for methylmethacrylate polymerization using a kinetic model incorporating gel and glass effects. The minimum end time problem has been studied, with end point constraints on monomer conversion and the number average chain length, μn. The optimization algorithm used is efficient and easy to use. It is found that the optimal temperature histories obtained when the desired chain length lies beyond the maxima in the μn vs. time plot differ qualitatively and significantly from those obtained when the desired μn lies before the maxima.