Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanisms and Reactions

This lecture delves into the chain-growth polymerization mechanism, focusing on free radical polymerizations. It covers the molecular weight distribution, reaction stages, termination, and transfer reactions. The lecture also discusses radical initiators, vinyl monomers, steady-state kinetics, and polymer molecular weight control. Furthermore, it contrasts step-growth with chain-growth polymerizations, and explores the synthesis and properties of polymers like Polystyrene, Polymethylmethacrylate, and Low-Density Polyethylene. The lecture concludes with insights into chain transfer reactions, stereoregular polymerization, and Ziegler-Natta polymerizations of olefins.