In the intricate world of chemical manufacturing, synthetic polymers stand as the unsung heroes, forming the backbone of countless products we rely on daily. These versatile materials have revolutionized industries, from fashion and packaging to electronics and healthcare, and continue to shape the modern world in unimaginable ways. Polymers are macromolecules made up of repeating units called monomers. These monomers link together through chemical bonds to form long chains, resulting in a material with unique properties. In this Semilab, we will explore the many ways of creating synthetic polymers and try our hands in many techniques familiar to organic chemists. We will make several different kinds of polymers, including our own synthetic thread from tree cellulose, and study what affects polymer properties. We will also learn about click chemistry and why this set of efficient chemical reactions earned a Nobel Prize in 2022. We will make our own click polymers and, time permitting, synthesize highly efficient click textile dyes. And, of course, a Semilab on polymer chemistry would not be complete without fun with hydrogels and slime. So, let's explore what is happening inside the world of polymers!
Prerequisites: high school chemistry and familiarity with basic chemistry lab techniques such as making solutions and filtering