Some Aspects of the Theory of Gel Formation in Reactions of Polyfunctional Compounds

Various theories of gel formation by three-dimensional polymers derived from polyfunctional monomeric and oligomeric compounds, ranging from the theory of Carothers and Flory to the modern theories of Gordon, Kilb, Frisch, Bruneau, and Stepto, are discussed. The role of kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural factors in processes leading to the development of the gel fraction are analysed. The reactions involving polyfunctional compounds are classified, and the fundamental scheme of the three-dimensional reaction leading to gel polymers is described taking into account the altered ideas and the new criteria which have been established. The conclusions reached at a symposium on gel formation processes in polymers held in England in 1974 are examined.
The bibliography includes 149 references.