A parallel algorithm for step- and chain-growth polymerization in   Molecular Dynamics
  Classical Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations provide insight on the properties of many soft-matter systems. In some situations it is interesting to model the creation of chemical bonds, a process that is not part of the MD framework. In this context, we propose a parallel algorithm for step- and chain-growth polymerization that is based on a generic reaction scheme, works at a given intrinsic rate and produces continuous trajectories. We present an implementation in the ESPResSo++ simulation software and compare it with the corresponding feature in LAMMPS. For chain growth, our results are compared to the existing simulation literature. For step growth, a rate equation is proposed for the evolution of the crosslinker population that compares well to the simulations for low crosslinker functionality or for short times. 
Pierre de Buyl and Erik Nies
cond-mat.soft physics.chem-ph