Variable Optimization in Methylmethacrylate Polymerization by Using Design Expert as a Tool for Implementing ICTs in the Polymeric Systems Learning Process

Abstract

Polymers constitute a series of materials that are essential for many processes such as: food transport, packaging and distribution, construction, etc. Hence, it is important to understand the variables that this process depends on. Experimental design is a powerful tool that enables the identification of variables that significantly influence a process through a matrix of experiments that a software constructs. With the aim of implementing ICTs in the learning—teaching process of polymers in a university group, the polymerization process system of PPMA (polymethylmethacrylate) is studied. The variables that affect the size of the Pearl are: temperature, reaction time and volumen of the polyvinyl alcohol aqueous phase. These variables are optimized through a Box-Behnken experimental design with three factors in three levels, achieving the construction of the response surface to optimize the process, obtaining a tridimensional equation that enables the prediction of the Pearl size through the values of the independent variables. Finally, the student acquires the competency of manipulating the variables that affect the polymerization process to optimize the process. For this reason, Design Expert is a valuable ICT tool in the learning-teaching process of polymerization systems.