Module 3: Comparison of Step & Chain Growth Polymerization

In this short module, we will learn about step growth (SG) and chain growth (CG) polymerizations–their similarities and differences.

Supplemental Reading: Section 3.1 Background and Classification in Chapter 3: Polymer Synthesis.

Download the TE 200 Module 03 Study Guide and Checklist.

Study Guide for Module 03 (Can you do the following?):

1. Given a polymer structure, identify if the polymer likely was made by a step growth or chain growth polymerization and justify your identification in a sentence or two.
2. Given a step growth polymer structure, determine whether it was made in an A-B or A-A/B-B type polymerization and justify your identification in a sentence or two.
3. Compare and contrast step and chain growth polymerizations.
4. Sketch and explain the differences in the plots of molecular weight (or degree of polymerization) versus extent of reaction for step and chain growth polymerizations.