additiopolümerien

Addition polymers are a class of polymers formed through an addition polymerization reaction. In this process, monomers, which are small molecules with double or triple bonds, join together to form a long polymer chain without the loss of any atoms. The key characteristic of addition polymerization is that the empirical formula of the repeating unit in the polymer is the same as the empirical formula of the monomer.

Common examples of addition polymers include polyethylene, formed from the monomer ethene (ethylene), and polypropylene, formed from the monomer propene (propylene). Other well-known addition polymers include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene, and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), also known as Teflon. The polymerization typically proceeds through a chain mechanism involving initiation, propagation, and termination steps. The specific type of initiator used, such as free radicals, cations, or anions, determines the mechanism of polymerization.

The properties of addition polymers can vary widely depending on the type of monomer used and the specific polymerization conditions. These polymers find extensive applications in various industries, including packaging, construction, textiles, and electronics, due to their diverse range of mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties. For instance, polyethylene is widely used for plastic bags and films, while PVC is employed in pipes and window frames.