ABSTRACT

Polymers are available in a wide range of formulations and properties achieved through selection of the base polymer and additives. Two types of chemical reactions produce polymers:

1) Condensation between polyfunctional molecules (monomers) that react with each other. This reaction is heat driven, sometimes with the aid of a catalyst. The longer the exposure to heat, the longer the polymer chain becomes. A common example of this is nylon, a reaction of a diamine with a dicarboxylic acid producing a polyamide.