Lecture
This lecture covers the fundamentals of polymer synthesis, discussing the relationship between monomers and the resulting polymer chains, the impact of molecular weight on properties, and strategies to control molecular weight through reaction time, stoichiometry, and chain stoppers. The instructor explains the concepts of step and chain polymerization reactions, the importance of functional groups, and the influence of conversion on the degree of polymerization. The lecture also delves into the use of catalysts, the kinetics of polymerization reactions, and the significance of controlling molecular weight for polymer properties and stability.