Simple explanation of Polymers and Monomers
Polymers are large molecules that are made up of many repeated small molecules. Many small individual molecules, called monomers, are joined up to form a polymer.
The process of monomers (small molecules) joining up to form a polymer (long molecule) is called polymerisation. There are two types of polymerisation processes, one is addition polymerisation and the other is condensation polymerisation.
The process of monomers (small molecules) joining up to form a polymer (long molecule) is called polymerisation. There are two types of polymerisation processes, one is addition polymerisation and the other is condensation polymerisation.
Addition Polymers
The names of each polymer are linked to the names of the monomers. The links between these names are pretty simple. Here are some examples:
- Ethene becomes Poly(ethene), often known as Polythene
- Chloroethene becomes Polychloroethene
