Kinetics of network formation via free‐radical mechanisms — Polymerization and polymer modification

Abstract The study of polymeric networks synthesized via free‐radical polymerization and/or prepolymer modification have become an attractive research area of both fundamental and commercial interest. Recently, a research/development program was initiated to investigate the fundamentals and applications of polymer networks. The following aspects are being emphasized: the elucidation of crosslinking mechanisms and kinetics, the characterization of network microstructures, and the development of kinetic gelation models. This paper reports recent activities towards these goals.