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Polymerization Mechanisms

Polymerization mechanisms such as cationic, anionic, and free radical polymerization dictate how polymer chains grow by adding monomers together. These mechanisms involve initiators that induce chain growth through specific chemical reactions, leading to the formation of various types of polymers with distinct properties.

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1

In the context of polymer chemistry, when comparing thermal and photopolymerization processes, which of the following statements accurately describes the role of initiators in both mechanisms while considering the byproducts generated during condensation polymerization?

Photoinitiators need light to split into reactive radicals that start chain growth. Other options are incorrect because Thermal initiators are not lim...

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2

In a scenario where a chemist aims to produce a polymer with a specific architecture using living polymerization, which of the following initiation methods would be most suitable if they also want to utilize the unique properties of light for activation?

Photoinitiation starts chains with light, which creates radicals that add monomers one at a time. Other options are incorrect because Using heat inste...

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3

In a controlled polymerization process, how would the mechanism of living polymerization affect the molecular weight distribution when utilizing a chain growth polymerization method?

Living polymerization stops no chain from ending early. Other options are incorrect because Some think living polymerization makes chains all over the...

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4

When two different monomers are copolymerized, which factor primarily determines the properties of the resulting copolymer?

The material’s stiffness, toughness, and heat resistance are set by how many of each monomer are present and how they line up in the chain. Other opti...

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5

In the context of polymerization mechanisms, the process by which two free radicals collide and form a stable molecule, effectively stopping the growth of the polymer chain, is known as __________.

Termination happens when two active ends meet and lock together, forming a stable molecule. Other options are incorrect because Initiation is the firs...

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6

Which polymerization mechanism would you expect to produce the most uniform polymer chain lengths?

Anionic polymerization starts with a stable negative charge that adds monomers one by one. Other options are incorrect because Cationic polymerization...

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7

Which of the following statements accurately describe the mechanisms of polymerization? Select all that apply.

Option A is true because cationic polymerization starts with a positively charged ion that grabs a monomer. Other options are incorrect because Many p...

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8

What is the primary reason for the variability in lengths of polymer chains formed during free radical polymerization?

Free‑radical chains grow until two radicals meet and stop. Other options are incorrect because People think a chain keeps adding monomers one after an...

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