Definition

1. Verb:
   • To undergo copolymerization: To have two or more different monomers chemically combine to form a copolymer.
   • To cause to copolymerize: To subject different monomers to a reaction so they link together into a single polymer chain.

Usage

• As a verb, "copolymerize" describes the chemical process where two distinct monomer units join to form a polymer chain with a mixed, repeating structure.
• It is often used in technical, scientific, and industrial contexts related to polymer chemistry and materials science.
• It can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively (without a direct object).

Examples

• Intransitive use:
  • Under these conditions, styrene and acrylonitrile will readily copolymerize.
  • The two monomers copolymerized to form a new material with unique properties.
• Transitive use:
  • The researchers copolymerized ethylene with vinyl acetate to create a flexible polymer.
  • This technique allows us to copolymerize several different monomers in a single reactor.

Advanced Usage

• "to copolymerize with": To combine chemically with another monomer.
  • Acrylic acid can copolymerize with a wide range of other monomers.

Variants and Related Words

• Copolymerization (n): The process or instance of copolymerizing.
  • The copolymerization was carried out at an elevated temperature.
• Copolymer (n): The resulting polymer formed from two or more different monomers.
  • Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) is a common copolymer.

Synonyms

• Co-polymerize (alternative spelling)
• Interpolymerize (less common, implies polymerization between different monomers)

Related Phrases

• Random copolymerize: To copolymerize in a non-regular sequence.
  • The monomers tend to random copolymerize, creating an amorphous polymer.
• Block copolymerize: To copolymerize in long sequences or "blocks" of each monomer.
  • Using a special catalyst, they were able to block copolymerize the two components.

Verb

1. polymerize together
   • the two substances copolymerized