polymerisation
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound: Polymerisation is a reaction in which small, simple molecules (monomers) link together to form a large, chain-like or network molecule (a polymer).
Usage
- The term "polymerisation" is used to describe the fundamental chemical reaction in creating plastics, synthetic fibers, and many biological macromolecules. It is a standard term in chemistry, materials science, and industrial manufacturing.
Examples
- Noun:
- The polymerisation of ethylene produces polyethylene, a common plastic.
- Controlling the rate of polymerisation is crucial for determining the properties of the final material.
- Vinyl chloride undergoes polymerisation to form polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Advanced Usage
"Chain-growth polymerisation": A type of polymerisation where monomers add to a growing chain one at a time, typical for polymers like polyethylene and polystyrene.
- Free-radical polymerisation is a common mechanism for chain-growth polymerisation.
"Step-growth polymerisation": A type of polymerisation where monomers with reactive end groups react together in steps, typical for polymers like nylon and polyester.
- The synthesis of this resin involves a step-growth polymerisation reaction.
Variants and Related Words
Polymerize (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo polymerisation.
- These monomers will polymerize rapidly under heat.
Polymer (noun): The large molecule formed by the polymerisation of monomers.
- Monomer (noun): The small molecule that serves as the building block for a polymer.
Synonyms
- Polymerization (alternative spelling, primarily US English)
- Polycondensation (specifically for a polymerisation reaction that releases a small molecule like water as a byproduct)
Related Phrases
- "Initiation of polymerisation": The step that starts the polymerisation reaction, often involving an initiator molecule.
- "Degree of polymerisation": The number of monomeric units in a polymer molecule.
Noun
- a chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound