Cationic Polymerization: Synthetic Rubber

This lecture by the instructor covers the process of cationic polymerization for the production of synthetic rubber, focusing on monomers like isobutylene and isoprene. It explains the challenges and advantages of radical versus ionic chain polymerization, detailing the initiation, propagation, and termination steps. The presentation delves into the selectivity of ionic chain polymerizations and the nature of propagating species. It also discusses the kinetics, chain transfer, and termination reactions involved in cationic polymerization. The lecture concludes with insights into living cationic polymerization and its applications in commercial products like polyisobutylene and butyl rubber.