Polümerisatsioonidel

Polümerisatsioonidel, often translated as polymerization, is a chemical process where small molecules, called monomers, react chemically to form very large molecules, called polymers. These polymers consist of repeating structural units derived from the monomers. This process is fundamental to the creation of many plastics, synthetic fibers, and other important materials.

There are two main types of polymerization: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, monomers add to one another in such a way that the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer. This often occurs through a chain reaction mechanism involving free radicals, cations, or anions. Examples include the formation of polyethylene from ethylene monomers and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from vinyl chloride monomers.

Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water or methanol. The polymer formed contains fewer atoms than the sum of the atoms in the original monomers. Common examples of condensation polymers include polyesters, formed from dicarboxylic acids and diols, and polyamides (like nylon), formed from diamines and dicarboxylic acids. The specific reaction conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts, play a crucial role in controlling the rate and outcome of polymerization.