polymerization: Quick Facts

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A three-stage diagram shows the emulsion-polymerization process: monomer droplets, free-radical initiators, and surfactant molecules are added to a water bath; surfactants form micelles around monomers before polymerization; and, after polymerization, latex particles are suspended in the water. Labels identify key components and the transformation from monomer to latex particle.

Diagram showing common functional groups in monomers-amine, carboxylic acid, alcohol, and isocyanate-at the top, and their resulting polymer linkages-amide, ester, and carbamate (urethane)-at the bottom, with color-coded chemical structures and connecting lines illustrating how monomers combine during polymerization.

Diagram showing the solution polymerization process of ethylene using Ziegler-Natta catalysts, with labeled vessels and flow arrows depicting the movement of ethylene gas, solvent, catalyst, and resulting polyethylene through reactors, filters, and dryers. A key explains the slurry components at each stage.

Diagram showing different types of borate linkages, including BO3 triangles, multiple group arrangements, a borate chain, a complex triangle, and a quadrangle group as found in borax, with molecular structures illustrated.

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Topics

initiator condensation polymerization ring-opening metathesis polymerization emulsion polymerization addition polymerization step-growth polymerization solution polymerization Ziegler-Natta catalyst chemistry of industrial polymers polymer acid–base reaction oxidation-reduction reaction chemical synthesis chain reaction addition reaction substitution reaction blow molding elimination reaction reaction mechanism catalysis

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Key People

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Carl Shipp Marvel

American chemist

Double exposure of science laboratory test tubes with bokeh and chemical reaction

Types of Chemical Reactions