polymerisable

Polymerisable refers to a substance's ability to undergo polymerization. Polymerization is a chemical process in which small molecules, called monomers, combine to form a much larger molecule, called a polymer. These monomers link together to create a long chain or network structure.

Substances that are polymerisable contain functional groups that are reactive and can participate in the chain-growth or step-growth mechanisms typical of polymerization reactions. Common examples of polymerisable monomers include ethylene, which polymerizes to form polyethylene, and styrene, which polymerizes to form polystyrene. Many other organic molecules with double or triple bonds, or with specific reactive functional groups like hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, can also be polymerisable.

The process of polymerization can be initiated by various means, such as heat, light (photoinitiation), or the addition of specific chemical initiators. The resulting polymers can have a wide range of properties depending on the monomer used, the polymerization conditions, and the structure of the final polymer. This property of being polymerisable is fundamental to the creation of plastics, rubbers, synthetic fibers, and many other materials essential in modern life.