tiivistyspolymerointi
Tiivistyspolymerointi, also known as condensation polymerization, is a chemical process where monomers react to form a polymer and a small molecule, typically water or methanol. This reaction involves the joining of monomer units with the elimination of a byproduct. Unlike addition polymerization, where monomers add to each other without the loss of any atoms, condensation polymerization results in a decrease in molecular weight with each addition step due to the removal of the small molecule. Common examples of condensation polymers include polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), and polycarbonates. These polymers are formed from monomers that possess specific functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, or amino groups, which are capable of reacting with each other to form new covalent bonds. The rate of condensation polymerization is often influenced by factors such as temperature, catalyst presence, and the concentration of reactants. The type of monomer and the specific functional groups involved dictate the properties of the resulting polymer, making condensation polymerization a versatile method for synthesizing a wide range of materials with diverse applications in textiles, engineering plastics, and adhesives.