What is the significance of the degree of polymerization in polymers?
The degree of polymerization (DP) refers to the number of repeating monomer units in a polymer chain. It significantly affects the properties of the polymer, including its molecular weight, mechanical strength, and thermal stability. Higher DP typically leads to stronger and more durable materials, whereas lower DP may result in more flexible and less resilient polymers. Understanding DP helps in tailoring polymers for specific applications