Question

Answer the following in brief:
Name the process of formation of polymer from its monomer.

Answer 1

Hint: Chemical combination of small particles called as monomers takes place to form large network molecules called as polymers. Products made from polymers are all around us like clothing made from synthetic fibres, polyethylene, plastic bags etc. Polymers play a crucial role in living things providing basic structural materials and participating in vital life processes


Complete step by step answer:
If we consider the formation of large molecules called polymers the process by which monomers are reacted together to form polymer chains or three dimensional networks is called polymerisation.
There are two types of polymerisation processes on the basis of the nature of monomer units.
(a) Homopolymerization
(b)Copolymerisation.
(a) Homopolymerization- If we talk about homopolymerization it is the process in which polymers are made up from the same type of monomers.
$A + A + A +.......................... \to AAAA..........$
For example: if we consider PVC it is a homopolymer and polyethene is also a homopolymer which is made up from ethane monomer units.
(b) Copolymerisation: Copolymerisation is a process in which polymers are made up from more than one monomer unit.
$A + B + A + B......... \to ABAB......$
For example: Styrene/butadiene copolymer (SBR) is an example of copolymer.
Both synthetic and natural polymers play an essential part in everyday life.
There are basically two types of polymerisation depending upon the mechanism.
(a) Step growth
(b) Chain growth
(a) Step growth polymerisation: In step growth polymerisation there is a removal of water or acid molecules from the combination of two monomers. Polymers formed are called condensation polymers.
(b) Chain growth polymerisation: In chain growth polymerisation the long chains are formed by the addition of monomers in larger numbers. This type of polymerisation involves the linking together of unsaturated monomers containing double bonds.
Polymers like polyethene. PVC is formed by the chain growth polymerisation.

Note: polymers is defined as a material that contains long, repeating chains of monomers. There are some polymers that can stretch and even bend such as rubber and polymer. plastics are the synthetic polymer. The basic units of polymer are called monomers. Monomers bind together to form polymers.