From spider silk to spacecraft circuits, polymers are the architecture of modern materials. Gwenin is excited to launch a 10-lecture modular series exploring the chemistry, mechanisms, and applications of macromolecules.
Lecture 1: Foundations of Polymer Science – 09/03/2026
Why This Series Matters:
Polymers shape every facet of modern life, giving strength, flexibility, and functionality to materials while presenting challenges for sustainability. Understanding polymer chemistry connects molecular theory with real-world applications in industry, medicine, and the environment.
Lecture Overview:
- Foundations of Polymer Science – Origins, discovery, and evolution
- Types and Classification – Thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers
- Step-Growth Polymerisation – Condensation reactions forming polyesters, polyamides
- Chain-Growth Polymerisation – Free radical mechanisms
- Ionic and Coordination Polymerisation – Cationic to Ziegler–Natta catalysis
- Copolymerisation and Design – Block, random, alternating, graft copolymers
- Polymer Structure and Morphology – Chain length, branching, cross-linking, crystallinity
- Characterisation & Analysis – GPC, NMR, IR, DSC, XRD
- Applications & Advanced Functional Polymers – Hydrogels, conductive polymers, nanocomposites
- Polymers and Sustainability – Recycling, biodegradation, circular chemistry
Features & Learning Outcomes:
- Step-by-step reaction mechanisms with visual and conceptual metaphors
- Comparative tables, concise summaries, and real-world examples
- Outreach-ready formatting for teaching, handouts, or posts
- Curated live learning links (Polymer Science Learning Centre, RSC, Khan Academy, Chemguide, Science History Institute)
- Understand polymer formation, structure–property relationships, and material performance
- Apply knowledge to industrial, medical, and environmental contexts
Explore the full archive at:
ScienceDeconvolution.com
Each lecture is freely available online, with optional PDFs (£1 per lecture) including quizzes supporting remixing, teaching, and personal study.
Explore more with us:
- Browse Spiralmore collections
- Read our Informal Blog for relaxed insights
- Discover Deconvolution and see what’s happening
- Visit Gwenin for a curated selection of frameworks