Polümerisatsioonitehnikad

Polymerization is a process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form polymer chains or three-dimensional networks. During polymerization, the monomers, which are small molecules, combine to form a much larger macromolecule. This process can occur through various mechanisms, including addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Addition polymerization involves the sequential addition of monomers to a growing chain without the loss of any atoms. Free radical polymerization, cationic polymerization, and anionic polymerization are common types of addition polymerization. Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers with the release of a small molecule, such as water or methanol, as a byproduct. Examples include the formation of polyesters and polyamides. The conditions under which polymerization occurs, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts or initiators, significantly influence the properties of the resulting polymer, including its molecular weight, degree of branching, and tacticity. Polymers are ubiquitous in modern life, forming the basis of plastics, rubbers, fibers, and many biological molecules like DNA and proteins. The study of polymerization is a fundamental aspect of polymer science and materials chemistry.