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Theoretical Derivation of the Molecular Weight Distribution of End‐Capped Linear Condensation Polymers
Author(s) -
Knoester Henk
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
macromolecular theory and simulations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.37
H-Index - 56
eISSN - 1521-3919
pISSN - 1022-1344
DOI - 10.1002/mats.200800062
Subject(s) - polymer , monomer , polymerization , molar mass distribution , condensation , polymer chemistry , linear polymer , molecule , product (mathematics) , chemistry , polymer science , materials science , thermodynamics , mathematics , organic chemistry , physics , geometry
End‐capped, low molecular weight polymers have found numerous practical applications. By providing the end‐capper molecules with specific chemical functionality, the polymer material can be equipped with a desired chemical behavior for product application or polymer processing. Using probabilistic methods, formulas are derived for calculating the target molecular weight distribution and its averages for the case of linear condensation polymerization. The formulas are generally applicable, allowing for arbitrary amounts of monofunctional monomers or end‐capper molecules affecting either one or both functional groups involved in the polymerization process.