Step-Growth Polymerization: Mechanisms and Applications

This lecture provides an introduction to step-growth polymerizations, focusing on the derivation of molecular weight distribution. It covers polycondensations, polyadditions, living and controlled chain-growth polymerizations, and the determination of molecular weight. The lecture explores the differences between step-growth and chain-growth polymerizations, emphasizing the statistical processes and control variables. It discusses the concept of equal reactivity of functional groups, molecular weight limitations, and the Flory-Schulz distribution. The kinetics of step-growth polyreactions, molecular weight distribution, and ensuring stoichiometric conditions are also explained. Additionally, the lecture delves into the applications of step-growth polymerizations in the synthesis of polyamides, polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyurethanes.