Polymers

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A polymer is a high molecular mass compound formed by linking many small molecules called monomers. Monomers are simple, reactive molecules that join together to form polymers. Example: Ethene is a mo…

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A homopolymer is a polymer formed from only one type of monomer. Example: Polyethene is a homopolymer made from ethene (CH₂=CH₂).

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A copolymer is a polymer formed from two or more different monomers. Example: Buna-S is a copolymer of butadiene and styrene.

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n CH₂=CH₂ → [–CH₂–CH₂–]ₙ This is an addition polymerization reaction where ethene monomers link via free radical mechanism to form polyethene.

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n CH₂=CHCl → [–CH₂–CHCl–]ₙ This is an addition polymerization. Vinyl chloride undergoes chain growth to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

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n CF₂=CF₂ → [–CF₂–CF₂–]ₙ Teflon is formed by addition polymerization under heat and pressure using ammonium persulfate as initiator.

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Addition polymerization is a chain-growth process where monomers with double bonds add to each other without losing any atoms. No byproduct is formed. Example: Formation of polypropylene from propene.

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Condensation polymerization involves the joining of monomers with the elimination of small molecules like H₂O or HCl. Example: Nylon-66 is formed from hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid, releasing w…