Time Dependence of the Statistical Molecular Weight Distribution of the Polymer Resulting from Vinyl Polymerization
V. S. Nanda, Raj K. Pathria · The Journal of Chemical Physics · 1961
The problem of the variation with time of the statistical distribution in a polymer resulting from vinyl polymerization has been investigated. Starting from the general formula for the number distribution function of the polymer increment, formed during the time interval t to t+δt, an expression is obtained for the over-all distribution in the material polymerized up to a particular stage of the reaction. Expressions have also been obtained for the various averages pertaining to the over-all material. The integrals occurring in the final formulas cannot, in general, be evaluated in a closed form. Results are obtained in such cases by having recourse to the Chebyshev method of numerical integration. A discussion of the interesting features that emerge out of this investigation is also given.