The Chemical Nature of Plastics Polymerization

This chapter provides an introduction to polymers and polymerization. Linear and cross-linked polymers are discussed. Types of copolymer are described, and examples given. In a polymer, molecules vary in size or molar mass, hence possess polydispersity (dispersity) or a molar mass distribution. We also introduce the basic concepts of chain and step polymerization, including free radical, controlled radical, emulsion, ionic, and condensation polymerizations. Kinetics equations are introduced and used to describe key features of these polymerizations.