Polyadditioprosessi

Polyaddition is a type of polymerization reaction in which monomers add to one another in such a way that the repeating unit contains all the atoms of the monomer. This process typically involves the reaction of molecules with at least two reactive functional groups, such as diols or diamines, with other molecules containing complementary reactive groups, like diisocyanates or diepoxides. Unlike polycondensation, no small molecules like water or HCl are eliminated during the polymerization. Instead, the monomers directly join together to form a long polymer chain.

Common examples of polyaddition include the formation of polyurethanes from diisocyanates and diols, and the curing of epoxy resins where epoxides react with amines or other curing agents. The reaction mechanism often involves nucleophilic addition or ring-opening polymerization. The rate and extent of polyaddition are influenced by factors such as temperature, catalyst presence, and the specific chemical nature of the monomers. The resulting polymers are known for their diverse properties, ranging from flexible elastomers to rigid plastics, depending on the monomers used and the reaction conditions. Polyaddition is a versatile and widely used method in the synthesis of many important industrial polymers.