Theory of Nonrandom Cross-Linking: Free-Radical Polymer Grafting

Free-radical polymer−polymer grafting may lead to gel formation. Due to the different possible combination and termination reactivities of each polymer backbone radical, polymer chains are cross-linked in a nonrandom manner. A general model has been developed using the method of moments to predict the development of molecular weights in the pregel period and the gel point. It is found that the gelation behavior is governed by the product of the …