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Polymer Definitions

Polymers are large molecules made of repeating monomer units linked by covalent bonds, exhibiting unique properties and high molecular weights. Polymerization is the process by which monomers chemically bond to form polymers, with addition and condensation being the main types. Many synthetic polymers are non-degradable due to their chemical stability and resistance to natural breakdown processes.

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18 views2 pages

Polymer Definitions

Polymers are large molecules made of repeating monomer units linked by covalent bonds, exhibiting unique properties and high molecular weights. Polymerization is the process by which monomers chemically bond to form polymers, with addition and condensation being the main types. Many synthetic polymers are non-degradable due to their chemical stability and resistance to natural breakdown processes.

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parivnems
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1.

Polymer:
•A polymer is a large molecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers, linked
together by covalent chemical bonds. Polymers have high molecular weights and can form
complex structures, giving them unique properties. Examples include plastics, rubber, and
proteins.

2.Monomer:
•A monomer is a small molecule that can chemically bond with other monomers to form a
polymer. Monomers are the building blocks of polymers. For instance, ethylene (C₂H₄) is a
monomer that can polymerize to form polyethylene.

3.Polymerization:
•Polymerization is the chemical process by which monomers link together to form a
polymer chain. This can occur through different mechanisms, such as addition polymerization
and condensation polymerization.

4.Degree of Polymerization:
•The degree of polymerization (DP) represents the number of monomer units in a polymer
molecule. It is a measure of polymer chain length and is directly related to the molecular weight
of the polymer. For example, if a polymer has 99 monomer units, its degree of polymerization is
99.

5.Addition Polymerization:
•Addition polymerization, also called chain-growth polymerization, is a process in which
monomers with double or triple bonds add to each other without the loss of any small
molecules. Free radicals, ions, or catalysts often initiate this process. Polyethylene is an
example of an addition polymer.

6.Types of Polymerization:
•Addition Polymerization: Monomers add together without losing any atoms.
•Condensation Polymerization: Monomers combine with the loss of small molecules, like water
or HCl.
•Copolymerization: Different types of monomers combine to create a copolymer, with two or
more distinct repeating units.

7.Why Polymers Are Non-Degradable:


•Many synthetic polymers are non-degradable because they are chemically stable and resistant
to breakdown by natural environmental processes. They lack the functional groups that
enzymes can act upon, making them resistant to microbial degradation. This is why they persist
in the environment for long periods.
8.Free Radical Polymerization:
•Free radical polymerization is a type of addition polymerization where free radicals
(molecules with unpaired electrons) initiate the reaction. It involves three steps:
•Initiation: Free radicals are generated, often by decomposing peroxides or other radical
initiators.
•Propagation: The radical reacts with a monomer, creating a new radical that adds to other
monomers, growing the chain.
•Termination: The reaction ends when two radical chains combine or when a radical is
neutralized.

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