Polymeriseerumisprotsessi

Polymeriseerumisprotsessi, commonly known as polymerization, is a chemical process in which small molecules called monomers repeatedly react together to form larger chain-like or network molecules called polymers. This process is fundamental to the creation of plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers, and many other materials essential to modern life. There are several primary mechanisms by which polymerization can occur, broadly categorized into addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

In addition polymerization, monomers add to one another in such a way that the repeating unit of the polymer has the same atomic composition as the monomer. This process often involves a chain reaction initiated by free radicals, cations, or anions. The monomers typically contain double or triple bonds, which break to form single bonds and link together. Examples include the polymerization of ethylene to polyethylene and vinyl chloride to polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water or methanol. In this mechanism, the repeating unit of the polymer contains fewer atoms than the sum of the atoms of the reacting monomers. Examples include the formation of polyesters from diols and dicarboxylic acids, and polyamides (like nylon) from diamines and dicarboxylic acids. The choice of monomer and polymerization conditions dictates the structure, properties, and applications of the resulting polymer.