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.