Number-Average Molecular Weights from Viscosity Measurements during Random Degradation of Polymers

Abstract
Using the theories of random degradation of Montroll and Simha, relationships are derived among limiting viscosity number, degree of degradation, and number-average molecular weight for a polymer undergoing random degradation in a closed system. Relationships among these parameters are derived for initial distributions of the “coupling” and the monodisperse types. Computer programs have been written which rapidly provide reliable values of number-average molecular weights and degrees of degradation from measured viscosity data on polymers with these initial distributions undergoing random degradation.

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