Nonlinear regression by visualization of the sum of residual space applied to the integrated copolymerization equation with errors in all variables. I. Introduction of the model, simulations and design of experiments

A new model for estimating reactivity ratios using the integrated copolymerization equation is presented. The model is a general nonlinear least squares method taking the error in both monomer conversion and monomer fraction into account by a relation between these two variables. Simulations show that the model is able to predict reactivity ratios successfully. Special attention is given to experimental design, i.e., at which initial monomer feed ratios the experiments should be performed in order to obtain reliable values for the reactivity ratios.