| A series of general tools based on fundamental principals would greatly simplify the simulation, design, or improvement of polycondensation processes. This thesis develops a general technique for modeling polycondensation processes. A general list of possible polycondensation mechanisms have been collected and then modeled in a general manner to allow any polycondensation process, which exhibits the list mechanisms, to be modeled and simulated. The general model is illustrated for a wide variety of polymer systems including: nylons, polyesters, polyurethanes, epoxies and other systems. Design analysis tools are also presented to utilize the general modeling in helping to evaluate and design a polycondensation process. |
