Overview
In this Lesson, we continue learning about free radical polymerization, with a focus on the kinetics of the polymerization. We describe the rate of reaction for initiation, propagation, and termination, and how those reactions play into the overall rate of polymerization. Introduction of inhibitors or retarders can be used to modulate the rate or onset of polymerization. We also learn about how to calculate the number average degree of polymerization for free radical polymerization and how it relates to factors such as concentration of monomer, initiator, and chain transfer.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
- Calculate rates of initiation, propagation, and termination, and how these influence rate of polymerization
- Describe the effect of monomer concentration, initiator concentration, radical concentration, and rate of chain transfer on rate of polymerization and degree of polymerization
- Determine the polymer skeletal structure from monomers that can be polymerized by free radical pathways
- Describe steady state conditions
- Describe the effects of inhibitors and retarders on polymerization.
Lesson Checklist
| Activity | Content | Access / Directions |
|---|---|---|
| To Read | Read all of the online material for Lesson 5. | Continue navigating the online material. |
| To Read | Chapter 4 - Radical Polymerization
| The chapter readings come from the textbook, Introduction to Polymers. |
| To Do | Homework Assignment 5 (Practice) | Registered students can access the homework assignment in the Lesson 5 module. |
Please refer to the Canvas Calendar for specific timeframes.
Questions?
If you have questions, please feel free to post them to the General Questions and Discussion forum. While you are there, feel free to post your own responses if you, too, are able to help a classmate.