polymerize

/'pɔliməraiz/ Cách viết khác : (polymerise) /'pɔliməraiz/

Thân thiện

A scientist observes a clear liquid polymerize into a solid gel in a beaker.

Definition

1. Verb (intransitive):

   • To undergo polymerization; to combine chemically to form a polymer. This refers to the process where many small molecules (monomers) link together to create a large, chain-like molecule.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To cause a compound or substance to undergo polymerization. This refers to the action of initiating or facilitating the chemical reaction that forms a polymer from monomers.

Usage and Examples

• Intransitive Verb (undergoing the process):

  • Under heat and pressure, the monomers will polymerize to form a durable plastic.
  • The liquid resin began to polymerize and harden into a solid coating.

• Transitive Verb (causing the process):

  • Scientists polymerize these specific monomers to create new synthetic materials.
  • The catalyst is used to polymerize the ethylene gas.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term is central to polymer chemistry and materials science. The process can be initiated by various means such as heat, light, or chemical catalysts.
• The intransitive use often describes the inherent property or behavior of a substance under certain conditions.
• The transitive use is common in industrial and laboratory contexts where the reaction is deliberately controlled.

Variants and Related Words

• Polymerization (n): The chemical process of polymerizing.
  • The polymerization reaction was complete in under an hour.
• Polymer (n): The large molecule resulting from polymerization (e.g., plastic, rubber, DNA).
  • Polyethylene is a common polymer.
• Monomer (n): A small molecule that can combine with others to form a polymer.
  • Ethylene is the monomer for polyethylene.
• Polymerizable/Polymerisable (adj): Capable of being polymerized.
  • This is a highly polymerizable monomer.

Synonyms

• Polymerise: The British English spelling variant.
• For the intransitive sense: .
• For the transitive sense: .

Antonyms

• Depolymerize (v): To break down a polymer into its constituent monomers.
  • Some plastics can depolymerize under extreme conditions.

Học thuật

Verb

1. undergo polymerization
2. cause (a compound) to polymerize

Từ đồng nghĩa

• polymerise