About the lecture

In the first mini-lecture, we introduce the idea of polymers by first looking at addition polymers: long-chain compounds which are formed as the only product of a chain reaction. We take a look at the structure of polythene, the simplest possible addition polymer before looking at one of the mechanisms that addition polymers can form: by free radical polymerisation. Then, we move onto to looking at the structure of common addition polymers, including poly(ethylene) and poly(ethenol).

About the lecturer

Dr Danny Allwood joined Sheffield Hallam University from the University of Cambridge, where he undertook a PhD (2008-2012) and post-doctoral research (2012-2015) with Professor Steven V. Ley CBE FRS. Prior to this, he attained my undergraduate degree at the University of Warwick (2004-2008). His current research programme is focused on the development of practical synthetic and catalytic organic transformations.