Ring‐chain competition kinetics in linear polymers

Abstract

Abstract Recent data of S TEPTO and W AYWELL for ring‐chain competition in the kinetically controlled polymerizing system ( i.e. backward rate = 0) of (polyethylene glycol)/(hexamethylene diisocyanate) have been fitted by exact computer calculations, assuming GAUSSian chain statistics. A good one‐parameter fit is obtained. The optimum value of the parameter is compared with theory. The results suggest that the solvent used (benzene at 70°C) is thermodynamically poor for this polymer system.