Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of poly-ε -caprolactone: kinetic behavior and reactor design
Lipase-mediated, ultrasound-assisted synthesis of poly-ε-caprolactone was investigated. It was found that ultrasound irradiation helped to improve the rate constant of poly-ε-caprolactone chain propagation (kp) at high initial monomer (ε-caprolactone) concentration. The enhancement of kp ranged...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | en |
| Published: |
2013
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/9633/1/00013161_103468.pdf http://eprints.um.edu.my/9633/ |
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| Summary: | Lipase-mediated, ultrasound-assisted synthesis
of poly-ε-caprolactone was investigated. It was found
that ultrasound irradiation helped to improve the rate
constant of poly-ε-caprolactone chain propagation (kp)
at high initial monomer (ε-caprolactone) concentration.
The enhancement of kp ranged from 34% to 46% at 22.5–
18.0 M initial monomer concentration, respectively. In a
system proned to time-dependent mass-transfer limitation
due to polymer chain extension, the acoustic effects
could have also allowed the reaction to continue longer
compared to non-sonicated process until it became
impossible at highly elevated reaction mixture
viscosity (>2,000 times increase from initial viscosity).
Consequently, it also helped to improve monomer conversion.
In a continuous flow polymerization system, a
plug flow reactor system is recommended due to its lowest
volume for maximum conversion compared to a continuously
stirred tank reactor system. |
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