Seekh Logo

AI-powered learning platform providing comprehensive practice questions, detailed explanations, and interactive study tools across multiple subjects.

Explore Subjects

Sciences
  • Astronomy
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
Humanities
  • Psychology
  • History
  • Philosophy

Learning Tools

  • Study Library
  • Practice Quizzes
  • Flashcards
  • Study Summaries
  • Q&A Bank
  • PDF to Quiz Converter
  • Video Summarizer
  • Smart Flashcards

Support

  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Pricing

© 2025 Seekh Education. All rights reserved.

Seekh Logo
HomeHomework HelpchemistryPolymerization Reactions

Polymerization Reactions

Polymerization reactions involve the process of combining monomers to form long chains known as polymers. These reactions are crucial in creating materials like plastics and rubber by linking repeating units together. Understanding polymerization is essential for designing new materials with specific properties in Chemistry.

intermediate
3 hours
Chemistry
0 views this week
Study FlashcardsQuick Summary
0

Overview

Polymerization reactions are essential chemical processes that create polymers from monomers, forming the basis for many materials used in everyday life. Understanding these reactions involves exploring the two main types: addition and condensation polymerization, each with distinct mechanisms and a...

Quick Links

Study FlashcardsQuick SummaryPractice Questions

Key Terms

Monomer
A small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer.

Example: Ethylene is a monomer that polymerizes to form polyethylene.

Polymer
A large molecule made up of repeating structural units (monomers).

Example: Nylon is a polymer used in textiles.

Addition Polymerization
A type of polymerization where monomers add together without the loss of any small molecules.

Example: The polymerization of styrene to form polystyrene.

Condensation Polymerization
A type of polymerization that involves the loss of small molecules, such as water, during the reaction.

Example: The formation of polyester from dicarboxylic acids and alcohols.

Thermoplastics
Polymers that become soft when heated and hard when cooled.

Example: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a thermoplastic.

Thermosetting Plastics
Polymers that harden permanently after being heated and cannot be remolded.

Example: Epoxy resins are thermosetting plastics.

Related Topics

Organic Chemistry
The study of carbon-containing compounds and their reactions.
intermediate
Materials Science
The study of the properties and applications of materials, including polymers.
advanced
Chemical Engineering
The application of chemical principles to design processes for producing materials.
advanced

Key Concepts

MonomersPolymersAddition PolymerizationCondensation Polymerization