Nonlinear modelling paves the way to bespoke polymers

Computer modelling to predict the result of using differing sets of processing conditions can enable anything from a moulding machine to a polymerization reactor to be set up at its optimum. But not all the factors that have to be taken into account have a direct linear relationship with one another or with the finalresult. ABulsari of Nonlinear Solutions in Finland and P Pitkanen and B Malm of Borealis Polymers, also in Finland, describe what nonlinear modelling can do and how it has been applied to tailoring the properties of polypropylene.