polymeriseerimisel

Polymerisation is a process of reacting monomer molecules together in a chemical reaction to form polymer chains or three-dimensional networks. Monomers are small molecules that can join together to form a larger structure. Polymers are large molecules, or macromolecules, composed of repeating structural units called monomers. This process can be carried out through various mechanisms, broadly categorized into addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation.

In addition polymerisation, monomers add to one another in such a way that the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer. This typically involves the breaking of a double or triple bond in the monomer to form a single bond, which then links to another monomer. Common examples include the polymerisation of ethene to polyethylene and the polymerisation of propene to polypropylene.

Condensation polymerisation, on the other hand, involves the reaction between monomers where a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated as a byproduct. The monomers in this type of polymerisation typically have two or more functional groups that can react with each other. Examples include the formation of polyester from diols and dicarboxylic acids, and the formation of nylon from diamines and dicarboxylic acids.

Polymerisation is a fundamental process in chemistry and materials science, enabling the creation of a vast array of plastics, fibers, elastomers, and other polymeric materials that are essential in modern life. The specific conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts, can significantly influence the rate and outcome of the polymerisation process, affecting the molecular weight, branching, and overall properties of the resulting polymer.