Classification of Polymers Based on Mode of Polymerisation
( i) Addition polymers The polymers formed by the polymerisation of monomers containing double or triple bonds( unsaturated compounds) are called addition polymers. Addition polymers have the same empirical formula as their monomers.
Addition polymers can further be classified on the basis of the types of monomers into the following two classes:
Homopolymers The polymers which are obtained by the polymerisation of a single type of monomer are called homopolymers.
Copolymers The polymers which are obtained by the polymerisation of two or more monomers are called copolymers
( ii) Condensation polymers The polymers which are formed by the combination of monomers with the elimination of small molecules such as water, alcohol, hydrogen chloride etc., are known as condensation polymers, e. g., nylon 6,6 is formed by the condensation of hexamethylene diamine with adipic acid.
Classification of Polymers Based on Molecular Forces