Polyfunctional cross-linking of existing polymer chains

Polyfunctional cross-linking of polydisperse copolymer primary chains is de scribed theoretically, and dependences of structural parameters on conversi on (alpha) before and after the gel point are derived. In particular, conce ntrations and average molecular weights of the sol, the elastically active network chains and their backbone chains, and dangling chains are given as functions of alpha. The theory can be used for chemical as well as physical gelation processes. A generalized theory of branching processes (TBP) is u sed, in which two sets of variables are introduced, for units and for links .