Abstract: As one of the key points in “Polymer Chemistry” course, the kinetics of polymer is difficult to instruct due to its high dependence on theoretical derivation. Ideal living and controlled polymerizations typically exhibit a first-order kinetic characteristic. However, when extending the system to a random copolymerization of two monomers, the complexity of polymer composition space increases significantly, making it difficult to directly transfer knowledge from homopolymerization characteristics. This paper, herein, addresses the monomer consumption kinetics of binary random living copolymerization from both theoretical derivation and Monte Carlo simulation perspectives. It demonstrates the complexity of living copolymerization kinetics and shows that first-order kinetics behavior is only observed under two specific conditions. This work provides new insights for teaching Polymer Chemistry, integrating both theoretical and simulation approaches.

Key words: Polymer chemistry, Random copolymerization, Copolymerization kinetics