Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer Chemistry, Vol.37, No.13, 2145-2154, 1999
On calculation of gel point for processes of branched polycondensation
Potentialities have been examined of the application of the statistical method for the approximate calculation of the gel point in the case of nonideal branched homopolycondensation, depending on the parameters of its kinetic model. Along with a traditional first-order approximation, the more sophisticated second-order approximation has been scrutinized. Conditions have been revealed when traditional approximation would suffice for the calculation of the gel point. The regions are specified within the parameter space where the recourse to the second-order approximation has been found to substantially increase the accuracy of the calculation of this point as well as those regions in which the employment of the statistical method is unlikely to be advisable. This influence has also been considered for both the simplification of the "First Shell Substitution Effect" model and the monomer functionality evolution on the accuracy of the gel point calculation by the statistical method.