Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of poly-ε -caprolactone: kinetic behavior and reactor design

Gumel, A.M. and Annuar, M.S.M. and Chisti, Y. (2013) Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic synthesis of poly-ε -caprolactone: kinetic behavior and reactor design. International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 11 (1). pp. 609-617. DOI https://doi.org/10.1515/ijcre-2013-0115.

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Abstract

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.

Item Type: Article
Funders: UNSPECIFIED
Additional Information: Corresponding author: M. S. M. Annuar, Faculty of Science, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, E-mail: suffian_annuar@um.edu.my
Uncontrolled Keywords: Biodegradable polymer; Lipase; Poly-ε-caprolactone; Reactor design; Polymerization; Ultrasound.
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Q Science > QD Chemistry
Divisions: Faculty of Science > Institute of Biological Sciences
Depositing User: Ms. Norhamizah Tamizi
Date Deposited: 22 Apr 2014 02:12
Last Modified: 22 Apr 2014 02:12
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/9633

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