polykondensaatioksi

Polycondensation is a type of step-growth polymerization in which monomers react to form a polymer and a small molecule byproduct. This byproduct is typically water, but can also be methanol, hydrochloric acid, or other simple molecules. The process involves the repeated reaction of functional groups on the monomers. For example, a common polycondensation reaction involves a diol reacting with a diacid to form a polyester and water. Each successive reaction step adds a repeating unit to the growing polymer chain and releases a molecule of the byproduct. The molecular weight of the polymer increases gradually as the reaction proceeds, rather than through the coupling of large polymer chains as in chain-growth polymerization. The rate of polycondensation is generally slower than chain-growth polymerization. Examples of polymers formed by polycondensation include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), polycarbonates, and polyurethanes. These polymers have a wide range of applications in textiles, plastics, and engineering materials.