Summary
This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of synthetic polymers and their production mechanisms. Key topics include chain-growth and step-growth polymerizations, which define how monomers connect, as well as the role of catalysts like Ziegler–Natta in controlling stereochemistry. The material further highlights the diversity of polymer types—ranging from thermoplastics to thermosetting resins—and illustrates how polymer structure, such as crystallinity and cross-linking, significantly affects physical properties and applications. Emerging techniques such as olefin metathesis and the development of biodegradable polymers point to future innovations in material science.