Molecular weight distributions in radiation‐induced polymerization. IV. A comprehensive kinetic scheme for polymerization in the liquid state

Abstract

AbstractA comprehensive kinetic scheme is proposed which takes into consideration γ‐ray‐initiated polymerization via free radical, cationic, or radical‐cationic species, or their combinations, and the relative contribution of each depending upon experimental conditions. From this kinetic model, equations describing the kinetics of polymerization and the resulting molecular weight distributions have been derived. The resulting expressions are complex in nature, particularly for the case where a combination of mechanisms is involved. In view of this, a general approach to the problem of generating theoretical molecular weight distributions based on the application of high speed digital computers has been presented. The proposed technique is particularly powerful since no simplifying assumptions or mathematical approximations are required in order to obtain the molecular weight distribution.