Module 3: Comparison of Step & Chain Growth Polymerizations
3.0 Introduction and Study Guide
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 of the Polymer Science and Engineering eBook (or the equivalent in a print version).
Study Guide for Module 3: Comparison of Step & Chain Growth Polymerizations
By the end of the module, can you do the following?
- 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.
- 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.
- Compare and contrast step and chain growth polymerizations.
- 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.
Get your own copy of the Module 03 Study Guide and Checklist (link goes to a “force copy” Google Doc).