Additiopolymerisaatiolla

Additiopolymerisaatiolla, also known as addition polymerization, is a fundamental chemical process in polymer science. It involves the sequential addition of monomers to a growing polymer chain without the loss of any atoms. This contrasts with condensation polymerization, where small molecules like water are eliminated during the reaction.

The monomers involved in addition polymerization typically contain double or triple bonds, which are reactive sites. The process is usually initiated by a species, such as a radical, anion, or cation, which attacks a monomer and forms a new reactive center. This reactive center then adds to another monomer, propagating the chain. The reaction continues until termination occurs, which can happen through various mechanisms like recombination or disproportionation.

Common examples of polymers formed by addition polymerization include polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. These polymers are ubiquitous in modern life, finding applications in packaging, construction, textiles, and electronics. The specific properties of the resulting polymer are influenced by the type of monomer used, the reaction conditions, and the molecular weight of the polymer chain. Understanding addition polymerization is crucial for designing and synthesizing a wide range of useful polymeric materials.