Random grafting statistics in graft distribution analysis

Abstract

Abstract Graft distribution functions have been derived from random grafting statistics. Among the functions, the weight fraction of ungrafted backbone chains, the molecular weight distribution of the ungrafted backbone chains and the GPC apparent molecular weight distribution of the graft copolymer have been found to agree with experimental values determined for a graft copolymer system in which grafting was expected to be random. The other functions, which are not directly measurable, are therefore probably also correct. In analytical work the entire set of graft distribution functions may be computed for a graft copolymer system from the following experimental data: (1) molecular weight distribution of the starting backbone chains; (2) the chemical composition of the mixture of the graft copolymer and ungrafted backbone; (3) the graft side‐chain molecular weight distribution, which may be assumed to be identical to that of the ungrafted homopolymer separable from the reaction mixture.