polümerisatsioonideks

Polymerization is a chemical process where small molecules called monomers combine to form larger molecules known as polymers. This process essentially builds long chains of repeating units. There are several types of polymerization, but the two main categories are addition polymerization and condensation polymerization.

Addition polymerization involves monomers that add to one another in such a way that the resulting polymer contains all the atoms of the original monomer. A common example is the polymerization of ethene to form polyethylene. This process often requires initiators, such as free radicals or ions, to start the chain reaction. The chain grows by the sequential addition of monomer units to the active growing end.

Condensation polymerization, on the other hand, involves monomers that react to form a polymer with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water or methanol. For instance, the formation of polyester involves the reaction between a diol and a dicarboxylic acid, with the release of water molecules. Each reaction step typically forms a new bond and releases a byproduct.

Polymers are ubiquitous in modern life, forming the basis for plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers, and many biological materials like DNA and proteins. The properties of a polymer are largely determined by the type of monomer, the length of the polymer chain, and the way the chains are arranged. Understanding polymerization is crucial for the synthesis and application of a vast array of materials.