Carothers equation Crosslinking

Crosslinking in step polymerisation-modified Carothers equation... 

Gel point. The Carothers equation can also be used to estimate the conversion needed to reach the so-called gel point in condensation polymerization involving monomers with functionalities higher than 2. The gel point is defined as the state of conversion at which gel formation caused by crosslinking begins to become apparent. With the assumption that this occurs when practically all molecules of the limiting monomer have reacted, the requisite fractional conversion of functional groups can be estimated with a rearranged form of the Carothers equation ... 

The light crosslinkable reaction, like all crosslinking reactions results in gelation and the extent of gelation is important in this process. This extent is tied to the quantity of the functional groups in the reaction mixture. Carothers equations relate the critical extent of the reaction, pc, at the gel point to the functionality of the reactants ... 

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