Plokkkopolümerisatsioonis

Plokkkopolümerisatsioonis, also known as polycondensation polymerization, is a chemical process where monomers with functional groups react with each other to form long polymer chains, releasing small molecules as byproducts. This is in contrast to addition polymerization, which involves the direct joining of monomers without the release of byproducts. Common small molecules released during polycondensation include water, methanol, or hydrogen chloride.

The reaction typically proceeds in a stepwise manner. Monomers with at least two reactive functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino groups, react to form dimers, then trimers, and so on, gradually increasing the molecular weight of the resulting polymer. The equilibrium of the reaction can be shifted towards polymer formation by removing the byproduct, often through distillation.

Examples of polymers formed via polycondensation include polyesters (like polyethylene terephthalate, PET), polyamides (like nylon), polycarbonates, and polyurethanes. These polymers find widespread applications in textiles, plastics, adhesives, coatings, and many other industries due to their diverse properties. The choice of monomers and reaction conditions determines the specific properties of the final polymer, such as its strength, flexibility, and thermal stability. Understanding the mechanism of plokkkopolümerisatsioonis is crucial for designing and synthesizing polymers with desired characteristics.