High conversion polymerization. VI. Detailed examination of the kinetic model

A previously developed model which has been used to describe the kinetic behavior of free radical polymerization in the region of the gel effect is here subjected to a detailed quantitative examination. It is shown, using data for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate, that the quasi‐steady‐state assumption is valid during the gel effect, and that the model provides a good description of the chain lengths and concentrations of different species present in the reaction. The postulate that primary radical termination becomes important as the gel effect advances is tested and found to be true.