Module 7: Polymerization Kinetics
7.0 Introduction & Study Guide
In this module, we discuss polymerization kinetics, learn the necessary assumptions, and how to solve polymerization kinetics problems for both step and chain growth polymerizations. Helpful hint, if the calculus is difficult, check your assumptions! You may have missed one.
Read Chapter 4: Polymerization Kinetics of the Polymer Science and Engineering eBook (or the equivalent in a print version).
Study Guide for Module 7: Polymerization Kinetics
By the end of the module, can you do the following?
General Kinetics:
- Solve a classic radioactive decay problem (because this is the same free radical initiation!).
- From the context of the problem, determine if it is a step growth or chain growth problem.
- From the context of the problem, determine if integration must be used to solve the problem.
- Determine what assumptions are relevant and appropriate to the given problem and then successfully apply the assumptions to solve the problem.
Step Growth Polymerization Kinetics:
- Remember and appropriately use the fact that the concentration of acid groups equals the concentration of alcohol groups at all times.
- Given an appropriate rate law, solve for acid/alcohol concentration, extent of reaction, and number average degree of polymerization as a function of time or for some time, t (and vice versa).
- Given an appropriate rate law, determine how long it will take to reach a given concentration, extent of reaction, or number-average degree of polymerization.
- Discuss the importance of reactivity being independent of chain length.
Chain Growth Polymerization Kinetics:
- Apply initial conditions, when appropriate, to solve problems.
- Effectively use the steady state assumption and explain the assumption in words (including what is at steady state).
- Given appropriate rate laws, solve for monomer concentration as a function of time or for some time, t, and vice versa.
- Given appropriate rate laws, calculate the kinetic chain length.
- Calculate the number-average degree of polymerization from the kinetic chain length.
- Explain the Tromsdorf effect and its importance.
Get your own copy of the Module 07 Study Guide and Checklist (link goes to a “force copy” Google Doc).