Polümerimise

Polümerimise is a chemical process by which relatively small molecules, called monomers, combine chemically to produce a very large chainlike or three-dimensional molecule, called a polymer. This process involves the formation of covalent bonds between monomer units. 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 unit. This type of polymerization typically involves monomers with double or triple bonds, such as alkenes. The double bond breaks, and the monomers link together to form a long chain. Examples include the formation of polyethylene from ethene and polypropylene from propene.

Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with functional groups, where a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated as a byproduct. Each time a monomer is added to the growing polymer chain, a molecule of water (or another small molecule) is released. Examples include the formation of polyesters from diols and diacids, and polyamides (like nylon) from diamines and diacids.

The conditions required for polymerization, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts or initiators, vary depending on the specific monomers and the desired polymer. The resulting polymers can have a wide range of properties and applications, from plastics and fibers to adhesives and coatings, depending on their molecular structure and composition.