Kinetic analysis of A2 + AB + B3 hyperbranched polymerization approach

This work theoretically deals with the kinetics of the hyperbranched polymerization with A2, AB and B3 monomers. The analytical expressions of the size distribution function and the various molecular parameters of the resulting hyperbranched polymers were derived. The structure and molecular parameters of the products depend on the monomer feed ratios and the conversion of groups. Gelation is easy to occur if the monomer feed ratio of A2 to B3 (λ) is in the range of 3/4 ≤ λ ≤ 3. The addition of AB monomer can increase the conversion of A or B groups and enhance the number-average degree of polymerization at the critical gelation point. On the other hand, excessive AB monomer will results in a small degree of branching for the products. A small λ and a suitable β value favor to form the hyperbranched polymers with certain degree of branching.