Percolation model of hyperbranched polymerization

Computer simulations of the step-growth homopolymerization of an AB 2 monomer have been carried out on a square lattice. No rearrangements of units were made between reaction events. Instead, the capture radius, i.e., the maximum distance between the randomly selected unit and its reaction partner was changed. The reaction was considered as controlled either by diffusion and local concentration fluctuations or by the law of mass action (classical limit). The size distribution of polymer species and the extent of cyclization reactions in the polymerization are discussed.