STATISTICAL THERMODYNAMICS OF POLYDISPERSE POLYMERS

A statistical thermodynamics theory of polydisperse polymers based on a lattice model of fluids is formulated. Pure polydisperse polymer can be completely characterized by three scale factors and the molecular weight distribution of the system. The equation of state does not satisfy a simple corresponding-states principle, except for a polymer fluid of sufficiently high molecular weight. The relationships between thermal expansion coefficient alpha and isothermal compressibility beta with reduced variables are also predicted.