Monte Carlo modeling of degradation of polymer networks: 2. Highly branched molecules

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A Monte Carlo study on the degradation of highly branched polymer molecules is presented. The starting molecules were regular dendrimers with 105 units. The algorithm of simulations was similar to that used for modeling degradation of polymer networks described in the first part of the series. In the degradation of the large acyclic molecules, similarly as for networks, an abrupt transition was observed. It resembled a reversed sol–gel transition. Its position on conversion scale as well as other size distribution related parameters of the system depended on the kinetics of bond scission.