Polymers are high molecular mass compounds formed by polymerization of monomers. They are synthesized by the polymerization process and can be modified by the additive of monomers. The additives of monomers change polymers mechanical property, processability, durability and so on. The simple reactive molecule from which the repeating structural units of a polymer are derived is called a monomer. A polymer can be described in many ways: its degree of polymerisation, molar mass distribution, tacticity, copolymer distribution, the degree of branching, by its end-groups, crosslinks, crystallinity and thermal properties such as its glass transition temperature and melting temperature. Polymers in solution have special characteristics with respect to solubility, viscosity, and gelation.  Illustrative of the quantitative aspects of polymer chemistry, particular attention is paid to the number-average and weight-average molecular weights  and , respectively.
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The formation and properties of polymers have been rationalized by many theories including Scheutjens–Fleer theory, Flory–Huggins solution theory, Cossee–Arlman mechanism, Polymer field theory, Hoffman Nucleation Theory, Flory–Stockmayer theory, and many others.
The study of polymer thermodynamics helps improve the material properties of various polymer-based materials such as polystyrene (styrofoam) and polycarbonate. Common improvements include toughening, improving impact resistance, improving biodegradability, and altering a material's solubility.