KINETICS OF NETWORK FORMATION VIA FREE-RADICAL MECHANISMS - POLYMERIZATION AND POLYMER MODIFICATION

The study of polymeric networks synthesized via free-radical polymeriz ation and/or prepolymer modification have become an attractive researc h area of both fundamental and commercial interest. Recently, a resear ch/development program was initiated to investigate the fundamentals a nd applications of polymer networks. The following aspects are being e mphasized: the elucidation of crosslinking mechanisms and kinetics, th e characterization of network microstructures, and the development of kinetic gelation models. This paper reports recent activities towards these goals.