Polydispersity and scaling in linear polymer condensates

Abstract

We consider a linear polymer melt where the chains are made by condensation of bifunctional monomers. In the very large distribution of molecular weights that is obtained one may distinguish typical and very large chains with different behaviours. Screening is effective in the former, which act as a (good) solvent for the latter. The cross-over molecular weight N * between the two classes is a function of the weight average molecular weight Nw. Within a Flory approach, we find N* ∼ N2w. Chains much larger than N* are swollen. Typical chains have the same behaviour as in a monodispersed melt