polymers

[catchinit]

can someone explain stereoregularity to me?

[Hamish]

Probably, how much chemisty do you know? ie to what level?

[catchinit]

To no great extent really, just started polymer science degree and for some wierd reason stereoregularity is stumpin me. I must discuss polymerisation techniques which affect stereoregularity. I ok on methods but is it as simple as i amagine? i.e.just the way atoms are arranged on the backbone? Resulting in tacticity change?

[Hamish]

The SR is a function of the sero centres on the boackbone, however the cause of their orientation (R or S) will depend on other factors. For examples in a free radical reaction usually you will end up with a mixture, but if there is a catylist then you may end up with one or the other, or blocks of s and blocks of r. For polyesters such as polylactic acid, the serocenter is fixed in the monomer so it just depends on which monomer, or mixture of, you start with.

try to get a copy of 'introduction to polymer science' by young and lovell, very good basic text on polymer syn, analy and properties.

[catchinit]

Cheers for that Hamish. Will get onto that book right away. Bought Plastics Materials by Brydson which appears to contain some (if not all) of the main details required for the course, the book you recommend will accompany this perfectly. Thanks again.