From many monomers to one polymer
All polymers form by the same principle: you take lots of molecules of the same type (called monomers), which then attach to form long chains and networks.
Generally speaking, monomers can attach in two ways: addition and condensation polymerization.
- Addition polymerization: monomers combine without forming any by-products.
- Condensation polymerization: monomers combine while ejecting small molecules, e.g., water, in the process.