Event

MPhil degree candidate, Mr. Esrone Noel, will host a seminar titled " Mathematical Modelling of Frontal Polymerization," on November 5th, 2009, from 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. It will be held on the 3rd floor of the Natural Sciences building, room 313. 

Abstract:

Frontal Polymerization (FP) is a technique in which the heat released by the exothermic transformation of monomer to polymer is exploited to promote the formation of a hot traveling-front that propagates in a self-sustaining fashion.  For generating a self-sustaining traveling thermal front there are some important factors to consider. First, no reaction should occur under ambient conditions, implying that the activation energy for the polymerization should be high. Second, the initial energy input, either heat or light, must produce adequate free radicals that initiate the polymerization of monomer. Third, the polymerization reaction should be highly exothermic.  As the monomer is converted into polymer, heat is given off causing a self-propagating thermal wave (reaction zone).  Factors which affect the propagation of the thermal front are physical properties of the monomer, initial temperature of the reaction medium, type and concentration of initiator, etc.

The seminar will describe the processes of frontal polymerization and discuss the various factors that affect the process together with its advantages that is associated with it.  In addition, some applications of this process, such as Epoxy Curing, Polymeric blends, Liquid and Solid monomers, protection of historically important materials, etc. will be discussed.