Polümeriseerimises

Polümeriseerimises is the Latvian term for polymerization, a chemical process where small molecules called monomers chemically combine to form very large molecules called polymers. These polymers are made up of repeating structural units derived from the monomers. The process can occur through various mechanisms, broadly categorized into addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Addition polymerization involves the sequential addition of monomers to a growing chain without the loss of any atoms. This often proceeds via free radical, cationic, or anionic mechanisms. Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves monomers reacting with each other to form a polymer chain, with the simultaneous release of a small molecule such as water or methanol as a byproduct. This type of polymerization typically involves functional groups on the monomers. The conditions under which polymerization occurs, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts or initiators, significantly influence the rate of the reaction and the properties of the resulting polymer. Polymers are ubiquitous in modern life and are the basis for materials such as plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers, and resins.