ELI5 mode
Polymerization is the chemical reaction in which small monomer molecules covalently link together to form long polymer chains or three-dimensional networks. This process can proceed through addition, condensation, or ring-opening mechanisms and is catalyzed by heat, light, or chemical initiators. It underpins both natural biopolymers like DNA and proteins and the industrial production of plastics, rubbers, and advanced materials with engineered properties.
AI-generated·