On the Structure of Reversible Networks made of Star Polymers

We develop a theoretical approximation for the structure of reversible networks made of star

polymers based upon a set of suitable balance equations. These allow to predict the partitioning of

the connectivity types of star polymers including the formation of the most abundant small cyclic

structures in the system. Our model is developed using three different kinds of computer simulations.

First, mean-field Monte-Carlo simulations are designed to check the basic equations on the treatment

of the most relevant intramolecular reactions. Simulations with the bond-fluctuation method (BFM)

to model diffusion and collision of reactive groups in space to form bonds. Here, we focus on linear

polymerization to explore the differences to mean field, since there, the impact of loops can be

computed exactly. In a third step, the BFM is used to produce realistic network structures that are

compared with the basic equations that were modified with respect to the corrections to mean field.

Finally, our findings are discussed in the light of preceding work in literature.