Mechanisms for the Generation of Macromolecules

The polymers used for synthetic fibers are produced by lining up single atoms or atom groups, so-called monomers. For the production of polymers for synthetic fibers, the three different reaction mechanisms depicted in Figs. 2.37 through 2.42 are distinguished. 

Examples of polymers that are produced according to poly-addition are polyolefin, polyacrylonitrile, and polyvinyl chloride (as shown in Fig. 2.38). 

Another mechanism to produce synthetic polymers is polycondensation, as depicted in Fig. 2.39. 

Monomer Monomer Monomer Monomer Polymer By-Product 

With polycondensation, different or identical molecules bind together while byproducts split off (for example, water, short-chain alcohols). This reaction requires that each monomer has at least two reactive groups. Polyester and polyamide (Fig. 2.40) are produced by polycondensation. 

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