Monomers
Description (definition)
Monomers are small molecules that serve as basic building blocks for the production of polymers. They contain reactive chemical groups that make it possible to form long molecular chains through polymerization processes. Monomers can be obtained from natural sources such as plants or produced synthetically. They are essential for the production of plastics, adhesives, fibers and many other materials.
Example
A well-known example is ethylene, a monomer used in the production of polyethylene – one of the most commonly used plastics for packaging and films.
What types of monomers are there?
Monomers are divided into two main categories:
– Single-functional monomers: These form linear polymers, e.g. ethylene (polyethylene).
– Multifunctional monomers: These can produce branched or cross-linked structures, e.g. acrylic acid for polyacrylates.
How are monomers polymerized?
Monomers are joined by polymerization processes such as chain polymerization or step polymerization. In chain polymerization, an initiator is used to start the reaction, while in step polymerization, the chemical reaction takes place between functional groups of the monomers.
Where are monomers used?
Monomers are used in the production of plastics (e.g. polyethylene, polypropylene), adhesives, coatings, fibers and biomedical materials such as hydrogels. Their properties determine the quality and application of the end product.