GENERAL-THEORY OF MOLECULAR-WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION OF POLYMERS FORMED INCONTINUOUS NONTERMINATING CATALYTIC POLYMERIZATION ACCOMPANIED BY CHAIN TRANSFER-REACTIONS

Molecular weight averages and molecular weight distribution (MWD) of p olymers formed via nonterminating polymerization in a series of contin uous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) under conditions of chain transfer reactions are considered theoretically. For chain transfer to solvent, the temperature regime is defined which provides the highest <(P)over bar (n)> at the outlet of the series. Chain transfer to polymer is sh own to be the possible reason for gel formation in the first reactor. Critical conditions for gel formation are derived.