Polymerisaatiotyyppejä

Polymerisaatiotyyppejä refer to the different mechanisms by which monomers combine to form polymers. The two primary classifications are addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

Addition polymerization involves monomers adding to one another in such a way that the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer units. This typically occurs through a chain reaction mechanism, often initiated by radicals, cations, or anions. In radical polymerization, an initiator generates a free radical, which then attacks a monomer to start a chain. This process continues as the radical end reacts with successive monomer units, propagating the chain. The chain then terminates through various means, such as radical combination or disproportionation. Examples of polymers formed via addition polymerization include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride.

Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with the simultaneous elimination of a small molecule, such as water, methanol, or hydrochloric acid. In this process, bifunctional or multifunctional monomers react to form larger molecules, and the released small molecule is a byproduct. Unlike addition polymerization, condensation polymerization often proceeds step-by-step, where monomers react to form dimers, trimers, and so on, eventually leading to high molecular weight polymers. Common examples of polymers formed through condensation polymerization include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), and polycarbonates. The choice of polymerization type depends on the nature of the monomer and the desired properties of the final polymer.