ELI5 mode
Addition polymerization is a chain-growth process in which monomers containing double or triple bonds link together to form long polymer chains without releasing any byproduct molecules. The reaction proceeds through initiation, propagation, and termination stages, typically triggered by heat, light, or chemical initiators, and conserves every atom from the starting monomers in the final product. It is the primary method for producing high-volume plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene used across packaging, construction, and medical industries.
AI-generated·