polymerisointi

Polymerisointi is the chemical process by which small molecules, called monomers, react to form long chains or three-dimensional networks, called polymers. This process is fundamental to the creation of plastics, rubbers, and many other synthetic and natural materials. There are several types of polymerization reactions, but they generally fall into two main categories: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

In addition polymerization, monomers add to one another in such a way that the repeating unit of the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer. This typically occurs through a chain reaction mechanism involving initiation, propagation, and termination steps. Examples of polymers formed by addition polymerization include polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Condensation polymerization involves the reaction between monomers with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water or methanol. The repeating unit of the polymer in this case does not contain all the atoms of the original monomer. Examples of polymers formed by condensation polymerization include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), and polycarbonates. The conditions under which polymerization occurs, such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of catalysts, significantly influence the properties of the resulting polymer.