Kinetics of polymerization of dimer fatty acids with ethylenediamine after 90% conversion

Today, hot melt adhesives are used in a variety of manufacturing processes, including bookbinding, product assembly and box and carton heat sealing. Understanding the kinetics of the process is of great importance. In this work, the kinetics for the polymerization of dimer fatty acids and ethylenediamine after 90% conversion were investigated. The rate equation used was based on a third order expression after 90% conversion. The reaction temperature was in the range. 435-475 K. The parameters of the rate equations were determined using non-linear regression analysis. Comparison of the model predictions with the experimental data showed that the approach was useful for predicting: the polymerization kinetics. The frequency factor and the activation energy for the forward rate constant after 90% conversion were 93 339.62 kg-mol^-1 min^-1 and 53.40 kJ mol^-1 respectively. The reverse rate constant was almost zero.