An introduction to the statistical theory of polymer network formation

Abstract

A short but detailed introduction to the statistical theory of polymer network formation is given, including gel formation, gel structure, and sol fraction. Focus is put on the use of probability generating functions, and results that are of interest for polymer network elasticity are emphasized. Detailed derivations are supplied, and a simple 6-step procedure is provided, so that the reader is able to adapt and apply the theory to his own chemical systems, even if examples are given on polyurethanes essentially.