Question

Explain addition polymers with an example?

Answer 1

Hint: From the name addition polymerization we can understand that it is the direct addition of more than one single unit. In polymerization, small molecules combine to form larger molecules.

Complete step by step answer:
‘Polymer' comes from the Greek, meaning 'many parts.' And polymerization is a process in which relatively small molecules combine chemically to produce a very large chain or network molecule, this molecule is called a polymer.
The small unit is known as monomer. The monomer molecules may be all alike, or they may represent two, three, or more different compounds.
At least 100 monomer units must be combined to make a specific product that has certain unique physical properties such as elasticity, high tensile strength, and the ability to form fibres, that differentiate polymers from substances composed of smaller and simpler molecules.
There are two major types of polymerization:
1.) Addition polymerization and,

2) condensation polymerization.

Addition polymerization: Polymerization that occurs through the coupling of monomers using their multiple bonds and in other languages an addition polymer is a polymer that forms by simple linking of monomers without the co-generation of other products. Addition polymers can be formed by chain polymerization.

Detailed example: Formation of polyethylene from ethylene molecules. The double bond in each ethylene molecule opens up, and two of the electrons originally in this bond are used to form new C-C single bonds with two other ethylene molecules. Additional polymers can be formed by chain polymerization.

Below given are some other examples of addition polymers and their uses: polyethylene - films, packaging, bottles; polypropylene - kitchenware, fibers, appliances; polyvinyl chloride - pipe fittings, clear film for meat packaging


Note: Many thousands of monomer units are incorporated in a single molecule of a polymer. Additional polymerization differs from condensation, which does co-generate a byproduct, usually water.