ABSTRACT
In Chapter 2, we discussed the various polymerization mechanisms. In principle, with the large number of monomers available, a virtually endless number of polymers can be obtained by various polymerization reactions. Quite frequently, a given monomer is converted into the corresponding homopolymer. However, in order to meet increasingly stringent and specific end-use requirements, novel polymeric materials have also been developed through modification of existing polymers. Development of tailor-made materials by polymer modification is usually less costly and can be achieved more readily than through synthesis of new polymers.
