Lisäyspolymeereillä

Lisäyspolymeerit, also known as addition polymers, are a class of polymers formed through an addition polymerization reaction. In this process, monomers, which are small molecules, add to one another in such a way that the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer. This is in contrast to condensation polymers, where a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated during the polymerization process.

The most common type of addition polymerization involves monomers with double or triple bonds. These unsaturated monomers can open their pi bonds to form new single bonds with other monomers, creating a long chain. Common examples of addition polymers include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These polymers are widely used in various applications due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Polyethylene, for instance, is found in plastic bags and bottles, while PVC is used in pipes and window frames.

The mechanism of addition polymerization can vary, but it often involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Free radical polymerization is a common method, where a free radical initiates the chain growth. Other methods include anionic and cationic polymerization, which utilize charged species to propagate the polymer chain. The properties of addition polymers can be tailored by controlling factors such as monomer type, chain length, and the presence of branching.