What is the Difference Between Addition Polymerization and Condensation Polymerization?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between addition and condensation polymerization lies in the way monomers are combined to form polymers and the by-products generated during the process.
In addition polymerization:
- Polymers are formed by the addition of monomers with no by-products.
- Monomers must have either a double bond or triple bond.
- The addition of monomers results in the formation of the polymer.
- Common examples include PVC, polyethene, and Teflon.
In condensation polymerization:
- Polymers are formed due to the condensation of more than one different monomers, resulting in by-products such as water, ammonia, or HCl.
- Monomers must have two similar or different functional groups.
- The condensation reaction between monomers results in the formation of the polymer.
- Common examples include nylon, silicon, and bakelite.
Addition polymers are usually chemically inert and contain strong C-C bonds, making them non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle. In contrast, condensation polymers tend to be more biodegradable due to the weaker bonds in their backbone, which can be hydrolyzed.
Comparative Table: Addition Polymerization vs Condensation Polymerization
The main difference between addition and condensation polymerization lies in the reaction mechanism and the by-products formed during the process. Here is a table comparing the two types of polymerization:
Addition Polymerization | Condensation Polymerization |
---|---|
Monomers must have either a double bond or triple bond. | Monomers must have two similar or different functional groups. |
Results in no by-products. | Results in by-products such as ammonia, water, and HCl. |
The addition of monomers results in the formation of the polymer. | The condensation reaction between monomers results in the formation of the polymer. |
The molecular weight of the resultant polymers is a multiple of the monomer's molecular weight. | The resulting polymer has a molecular weight that is not a multiple of the monomer's molecular weight. |
Examples of addition polymers include polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are formed by the polymerization of CH2CHCl. Examples of condensation polymers include bakelite, silicon, and polyester.
- Copolymer vs Condensation Polymer
- Addition vs Radical Polymerization
- Aldol Addition vs Aldol Condensation
- Dimerization vs Polymerization
- Polymer vs Copolymer
- Catenation vs Polymerisation
- Addition Silicone vs Condensation Silicone
- Anionic vs Cationic Polymerization
- Suspension vs Emulsion Polymerization
- Copolymer vs Terpolymer
- Hydrolysis vs Condensation
- Polymer vs Monomer
- Copolymer vs Homopolymer
- Resin vs Polymer
- Polymer vs Biopolymer
- Prepolymer vs Oligomer
- Oligomer vs Polymer
- Free Radical vs Ionic Polymerization
- Condensation vs Freezing