Polükondenseerumise

Polükondenseerumise is a chemical process that involves the formation of polymers through repeated condensation reactions between monomers. In a condensation reaction, two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, with the simultaneous loss of a small molecule such as water, methanol, or hydrogen chloride. This process is characteristic of step-growth polymerization, where polymer chains grow in a stepwise manner.

The monomers used in polükondenseerumise typically possess two or more functional groups that can react with each other. For example, a diol (a molecule with two hydroxyl groups) can react with a diacid (a molecule with two carboxyl groups) to form a polyester, with the elimination of water. Similarly, diamines and diacids can react to form polyamides. The reaction proceeds by the formation of monomer dimers, then trimers, and so on, eventually leading to high molecular weight polymers.

Unlike chain-growth polymerization, where monomers add rapidly to a growing chain end, polükondenseerumise involves the reaction between existing polymer chains or between monomers and polymer chains. This means that the molecular weight of the polymer increases gradually throughout the reaction. The rate of polymerization is often influenced by factors such as temperature, catalyst presence, and the concentration of reactants. Common examples of polymers formed via polükondenseerumise include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), polycarbonates, and phenolic resins.