Polümeriseerimine

Polümeriseerimine is the chemical process by which small molecules, called monomers, chemically combine to form large chains or networks of repeating units, known as polymers. This process is fundamental to the creation of plastics, synthetic fibers, and many other materials essential to modern life. There are several types of polymerization, with the two main categories being addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

In addition polymerization, monomers add to one another in such a way that the resulting polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer unit. This process typically involves a chain reaction initiated by a free radical, cation, or anion. Common examples include the polymerization of ethylene to polyethylene and the polymerization of 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, methanol, or hydrogen chloride. The resulting polymer does not contain all the atoms of the monomer unit. Examples include the formation of polyesters from diols and diacids, and polyamides (like nylon) from diamines and diacids. The rate and outcome of polymerization can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pressure, the presence of catalysts, and the concentration of monomers.