polymerization

/,pɔliməri'zeiʃn/

Thân thiện

A scientist observes the polymerization reaction in a beaker.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound: "Polymerization" refers to a chemical reaction in which small, simple molecules (monomers) link together to form a large, chain-like or network molecule (a polymer).

Usage

• As a subject of a sentence: "Polymerization" is often discussed as a process or phenomenon.
  • Polymerization is essential for creating many plastics.
• As an object of a verb or preposition: It is used to describe what is happening or being studied.
  • The chemist initiated the polymerization by adding a catalyst.
  • This material is formed through a process of polymerization.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Living polymerization": A type of polymerization where the polymer chain ends remain active and capable of further growth, allowing for precise control over the polymer's structure.
  • Living polymerization techniques enable the synthesis of block copolymers.
• "Step-growth polymerization": A polymerization mechanism where bi-functional or multifunctional monomers react to form first dimers, then trimers, longer oligomers, and eventually long-chain polymers.
  • Nylon is typically produced by step-growth polymerization.
• "Chain-growth polymerization": A mechanism involving the sequential addition of monomer units to a reactive center, such as a free radical or ion.
  • The polymerization of styrene often proceeds via chain-growth mechanisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Polymerize (verb): To undergo or cause to undergo polymerization.
  • These monomers will polymerize rapidly under heat.
• Polymer (noun): The large molecule resulting from polymerization.
  • DNA is a natural polymer.
• Monomer (noun): The small molecule that is the building block for a polymer.
  • Ethylene is the monomer for polyethylene.
• Copolymerization (noun): The polymerization reaction involving two or more different monomers.
  • Copolymerization can create materials with blended properties.

Synonyms

• Polymerisation (British English spelling).
• Polymer formation.

Related Phrases and Terms

• Degree of polymerization: The number of monomeric units in a polymer molecule.
  • A higher degree of polymerization generally increases the polymer's strength.
• Inhibition of polymerization: The prevention or slowing down of the polymerization process.
  • A stabilizer was added for the inhibition of polymerization during storage.
• Polymerization initiator: A substance that starts a polymerization reaction.
  • Benzoyl peroxide is a common free-radical polymerization initiator.

Học thuật

Noun

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

Từ đồng nghĩa

• polymerisation