Kinetics of Degradation and Size Distribution of Long Chain Polymers

The rate equations for the depolymerization process of linear chain molecules are formulated and a general solution is given. Three special cases are considered: (a) Equal disintegration probability for all linkages independently of their position in the chain. The results confirm and extend the ones previously found from statistical considerations. (b) Preferred breaking at the ends. (c) Equal disintegration probability for all chains independently of their size. Equations for the decrease of number and weight average molecular weight with time are given in each case.