Polymer Science: Fundamentals and Applications

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of polymer science, including the birth and production of polymers, the discovery of natural and synthetic polymers, the classification of polymers into thermoplastics, thermosets, and elastomers, and the influence of molecular characteristics on polymer properties. The lecture also delves into the importance of macromolecular size, the degree of polymerization, and molecular weight in determining the behavior of polymers. Additionally, it explores the significance of stereochemistry in polymers, such as isotactic, syndiotactic, and atactic structures, and the impact of crystallinity on polymer properties.