Kinetics of Ultrasonic Polymer Degradation: Comparison of Theoretical Models with On‐Line Data

Abstract

Abstract PVP solutions were sonicated with high‐intensity ultrasound, and the weight‐average molecular weight was monitored by an ACOMP system. The use of continuous on‐line data to critically evaluate various models showed that the molecular weight decreased towards a limiting value. Theoretical and phenomenological models of evolution of the molecular weight during sonication are compared with the on‐line data. The Ovenall/Harrington/Madras and Giz and Tang models werer found to describe the results adequately. These models share the property of an initial rapid drop in molecular weight followed by a slowing down of the rate of molecular weight decrease. magnified image