Monomer addition methodology is provided to adjust monomer addition rates
to a polymerization reactor. Advantages of the invention include control
of bioabsorbable copolymer structure, improvement of monomer conversion,
control of reaction temperature, and reduced reaction time. The overall
result is an improved process and enhanced product performance. The
technology is particularly useful in the copolymerization of monomers
with different reactivity ratios, such as glycolide/lactide copolymers
and glycolide/caprolactone copolymers. Monomer reactivity ratios and
reaction kinetics are utilized to adjust monomer addition rates.