Molecular weights in polymerization as a function of conversion

A relatively novel method of calculating molecular weight changes and broadening during a polymerization is proposed. It differs from others in that the distribution is considered implicitly rather than explicitly. This allows direct use of kinetic rate equations in the derivation of weight-average and number-average degree of polymerization etc.; the mathematics simplifies to simple integration rather than sums of complicated series. The method is illustrated by applying it to several cases. These range from various models where only monomer concentration changes, to where both monomer and initiator or monomer and chain transfer agent are changing. Cases previously unsolvable can now be handled.