step-growth polymerization
Quick Summary
Step-growth polymerization is a method for creating polymers where molecular weight increases in a stepwise manner. This occurs through the random combination of monomer molecules that possess reactive functional groups. Unlike chain-growth polymerization, which adds links sequentially like a chain, step-growth polymerization builds molecular weight gradually.123
Common examples of polymers formed by step-growth polymerization include polyesters, epoxies, polyurethanes, and polyamides. These polymers are often created by reactions between monomers with specific functional groups, such as carboxylic acids reacting with alcohols to form esters, or with amines to form amides. These reactions can sometimes produce by-products like water, leading them to be called condensation reactions.42
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- chemistry of industrial polymersPolymerization reactions
The other process, called step-growth polymerization, involves the build-up of molecular weight not in a chainlike fashion but in a stepwise fashion, by the random combination of monomer molecules containing reactive functional groups. Chain-growth and step-growth polymerization are described in some detail below.
Read MoreThe other process, called step-growth polymerization, involves the build-up of molecular weight not in a chainlike fashion but in a stepwise fashion, by the random combination of monomer molecules containing reactive functional groups. Chain-growth and step-growth polymerization are described in some detail below.
Read More - chemistry of industrial polymersStep-growth polymerization
Step-growth polymerization typically takes place between monomers containing functional groups that react in high yield to form new functionalities. Examples of such functional groups are carboxylic acids, which react with alcohols to form esters and with amines to form amides:
Read MoreStep-growth polymerization typically takes place between monomers containing functional groups that react in high yield to form new functionalities. Examples of such functional groups are carboxylic acids, which react with alcohols to form esters and with amines to form amides:
Read More