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polymerization
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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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Double exposure of science laboratory test tubes with bokeh and chemical reaction
Types of Chemical Reactions

polymerization: References & Edit History

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  • The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
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Article History

Type Description Contributor Date
Invalidated site: International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts - Synthesis of Polystyrene by Free Radical Polymerization and its Characterisation. Jul 15, 2026
Add new Web site: International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts - Synthesis of Polystyrene by Free Radical Polymerization and its Characterisation. Sep 26, 2024
Added an illustration of the Ziegler-Natta polymerization of ethylene. May 26, 2020
Add new Web site: Purdue University - Chemical Education Division Groups - Polymerization Reactions. Apr 06, 2016
Add new Web site: Oregon Tech - Polymerization. Apr 06, 2016
Add new Web site: University of Michigan - Polymerization. Apr 06, 2016
Add new Web site: Khan Academy - Polymerization of Alkenes with Acid - Alkene Reactions. Apr 06, 2016
Added an illustration of functional groups in monomers and polymers. Apr 29, 2015
Add new Web site: Chemguide - The Polymerisation of Alkenes. Jun 23, 2011
New illustration added. Jan 15, 2009
Added new Web site: MSDS Hyperglossary - Polymerization. May 15, 2008
Added new Web site: Web Physics - Polymerization. May 15, 2008
Article added to new online database. Jul 20, 1998
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