Addition Polymerisation:
An addition polymer is a polymer that forms by simple linking
of monomers without the co-generation of other products. Addition
polymerization differs from condensation polymerization, that has by-
products, usually water. Addition polymers can be formed by chain
polymerization when the polymer is formed by the sequential addition of
monomer units to an active site in a chain reaction, or by polyaddition
when the polymer is formed by addition reactions between species of
all degrees of polymerization. Addition polymers are formed by the
addition of some simple monomer units repeatedly. Generally, polymers
are unsaturated compounds like alkenes, alkalines etc. The addition
polymerization mainly takes place in the free radical mechanism. The
free radical mechanism of addition polymerization completed by three
steps i.e. Initiation of free radical, Chain propagation, Termination of the
chain.
Check notes for the three steps.
Polyethene(PET) is an example of addition polymerisation
Condensation Polymerisation:
Condensation polymers are any kind of polymers formed through
a condensation reaction—where molecules join together—
losing small molecules as by-products such as water or methanol.
Condensation polymers are formed by polycondensation when the
polymer is formed by condensation reactions between species of all
degrees of polymerization, or by condensative chain polymerization
when the polymer is formed by sequential addition (by condensation
reaction) of monomers to an active site in a chain reaction. The main
alternative forms of polymerization are chain
polymerization and polyaddition, both of which give addition
polymers.
Condensation polymerization is a form of step-growth
polymerization. Linear polymers are produced
from bifunctional monomers, i.e. compounds with two reactive end
groups. Common condensation polymers include Bakelite,
polyamides, polyacetals, and proteins.
Condensation polymers tend to be more biodegradable than addition
polymers.