Definition

1. 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

1. a chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound