Monte Carlo modeling of degradation of polymer networks: 2. Highly branched molecules

A Monte Carlo study on the degradation of highly branched polymer molecules is presented. The starting molecules were regular dendrimers with 10(5) un its. The algorithm of simulations was similar to that used for modeling deg radation of polymer networks described in the first part of the series, In the degradation of the large acyclic molecules, similarly as for networks, an abrupt transition was observed. It resembled a reversed sol-gel transiti on. Its position on conversion scale as well as other size distribution rel ated parameters of the system depended on the kinetics of bond scission. (C ) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.