A liquid-phase polymerization is carried out in a jacketed batch reactor. The reaction is exothermic and follows the simplified stoichiometry
n M → (–M–)ₙ (polymer)
At an initial temperature of 60 °C the reaction proceeds slowly, but as it releases heat the reactor contents can reach temperatures above 120 °C, at which point the viscosity rises sharply and removal of additional heat becomes difficult.
(a) Explain qualitatively how the temperature rise inside the reactor affects the rate of polymerization during the batch process.
(b) Discuss how the exothermic nature of the reaction can create a positive feedback loop leading to a "runaway" scenario.
(c) Propose two design or operational strategies that could be implemented to prevent temperature-induced runaway while still maintaining an economically acceptable reaction rate.
(d) For one of the strategies proposed in part (c), evaluate a potential drawback it might introduce with respect to product quality or process efficiency.