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Addition polymerisation is the reaction that forms many of the polymers.
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| Submitted: Sat Aug 30 2003
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Open Book Paper Addition polymerisation is the reaction that forms many of the polymers (a long molecule made up from lots of small molecules called monomers). Usually there is a C=C double bond as there is in alkenes. Addition polymers were found by accident and are know as A-A polymers because all the monomer molecules are the same. Polymerisation is a three-stage process. Below shows the polymerisation of ethane to low density poly(ethene) (ldpe) Stage 1 : INITIATION This is when there is a creation of a radical from a catalyst Stage 2 : PROPAGATION A radical now combines with one of the electrons from the double bond in the alkene: New radical then reacts with more alkene: The chain grows longer and eventually ends up attacking itself, back-biting. This creates a new growing point in the middle of the chain and a branched chain now grows. Stage 3 : TERMINATION The reaction ends when the...
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