Polymerization

A polymer is a high molecular mass species consisting of regularly repeating units or chemically similar units, linked by primary covalent bonds.

Polymerization is the process by which high molecular mass species are formed many chemically similar units called monomers.

Types of polymerization.

1. Addition polymerization: monomers add one to each other to form polymers without loss of any molecule.

(a) Alkenes undergo addition polymerization to form polyalkenes

Other common polyalkenes are:

(b) Conjugated dienes undergo addition polymerization to form polydienes.

Examples

2. Condensation polymerization is the formation of big molecules called polymers from small molecules called monomers accompanied by loss of small molecules such as water, ammonia e.t.c

Examples

1. formation of polyester

2. Formation of polyamide

Thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers

Thermoplastic polymers are polymers that soften and can be remolded on heating, e.g. polyethene.

Thermosetting polymers are polymers that cannot be remolded on heating. E.g. phenolic and epoxy resins.

Compiled by Dr. Bbosa Science

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