Difference Between Addition Polymerization and Condensation Polymerization

Main difference

The main difference between addition polymerization and condensation polymerization is that addition polymerization refers to the production of addition polymers by the addition of olefinic monomers without the production of any by-products, while condensation polymerization refers to refers to the production of condensation polymers by the intermolecular condensation of two different types of monomers with the production of by-products.

Addition polymerization versus condensation polymerization

In addition to polymerization, monomers have multiple bonds such as double or triple bonds, while in condensation polymerization, monomers have two functional groups that may or may not be the same. Addition polymerization results in the formation of addition polymers, while condensation polymerization results in the formation of condensed polymers. Addition polymers do not produce by-products while condensation polymerization produces by-products. Addition polymerization produces polymers whose molecular weight is an integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers, while condensation polymerization produces the polymer whose molecular weight is not an integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers. Addition polymerization produces high molecular weight polymers at once, while condensation polymerization produces polymers whose molecular weight increases easily. Addition polymerization always produces thermoplastics, while condensation polymerization always produces thermosets. Addition polymerization produces homochain polymers while condensation polymerization produces heterochain polymers. Also, polymerization, Lewis acids or bases, or radical initiators act as a catalyst, while condensation polymerization, mineral bases or acids act as a catalyst. Addition polymerization produces addition polymers by adding olefin monomers, while condensation produces the condensed polymers by the condensation of two different monomers. while condensation polymerization always produces thermosets. Addition polymerization produces homochain polymers while condensation polymerization produces heterochain polymers. Also, polymerization, Lewis acids or bases, or radical initiators act as a catalyst, while condensation polymerization, mineral bases or acids act as a catalyst. Addition polymerization produces the addition polymers by the addition of olefinic monomers, while condensation produces the condensed polymers by the condensation of two different monomers. while condensation polymerization always produces thermosets. Addition polymerization produces homochain polymers while condensation polymerization produces heterochain polymers. Also, polymerization, Lewis acids or bases, or radical initiators act as a catalyst, while condensation polymerization, mineral bases or acids act as a catalyst. Addition polymerization produces the addition polymers by the addition of olefinic monomers, while condensation produces the condensed polymers by the condensation of two different monomers. bases or mineral acids act as catalysts. Addition polymerization produces addition polymers by adding olefin monomers, while condensation produces the condensed polymers by the condensation of two different monomers. bases or mineral acids act as catalysts. Addition polymerization produces the addition polymers by the addition of olefinic monomers, while condensation produces the condensed polymers by the condensation of two different monomers.

Comparison chart
Addition polymerization Condensation polymerization
Addition polymerization refers to the production of addition polymers by the addition of olefinic monomers without the production of any by-products. Condensation polymerization refers to the production of condensation polymers through the intermolecular condensation of two different types of monomers with the production of by-products.
byproducts
Does not produce by-products produces byproducts
polymer type
addition polymers condensed polymers
Molecular weight
The molecular weight of the product is equal to the integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers. The molecular weight of the product is not equal to the integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers.
Functional groups
Multiple bonds such as double or triple bonds At least two of the same or different types of functional groups in monomers
chain type
Produce homo-chain produces heterostrand
catalysts
Lewis bases or acids, radical initiators, etc. Bases or mineral acids
Other name
Chain growth process Staggered growth process

What is addition polymerization?

Addition polymerization is the chain growth process in which monomers of the same type undergo the addition of olefinic monomers. It is the process in which the production of by-products does not occur. In addition to polymerization, monomers have multiple bonds, such as double and triple bonds. Polymers have a molecular weight that is an integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers. Addition polymerization also produces homochain. In addition to polymerization, Lewis acids or bases, radical initiators act as catalysts. In addition to polymerization, the products have a high molecular weight at a time. It also produces addition polymers. In this process, multiple bonds such as double bond or triple bond are broken first and the process proceeds. There are many processes that also involve polymerization, such as the free-radicle mechanism, the ionic mechanism, and the coordination mechanism. In these reactions, the monomers must have unsaturation. In this process, the longer the reaction time, the higher yields will be produced. Addition polymerization always produces thermoplastics. In this process, monomers add together to form longer chains. In this process, multiple bonds are broken and form covalent bonds with adjacent monomers. Besides polymerization, it always involves alkenes and alkyne monomers. This process requires two types of identical molecules. It is a quick process. In this process, multiple bonds are broken and form covalent bonds with adjacent monomers. In addition to polymerization, always implies alkenes and alkyne monomers. This process requires two types of identical molecules. It is a quick process. In this process, multiple bonds are broken and form covalent bonds with adjacent monomers. Besides polymerization, it always involves alkenes and alkyne monomers. This process requires two types of identical molecules. It is a quick process.

Example

PVC, polyethylene, polyvinyl acetate, etc.

What is condensation polymerization?

Condensation polymerization is the stepwise growth process in which monomers of a different type undergo condensation and produce the condensed polymers. It is a type of subpolymer formation reaction. In a condensed polymerization, at least two of the same or different types of functional groups are essentially present in the monomers. Polymers have the molecular product that is the integral multiple of the molecular weight of the monomers. Condensation polymerization also produces the heterochain. In condensation polymerization, mineral bases or acids act as catalysts. In condensation polymerization, the products have an easily increased molecular weight. In this process, there are also many other processes that are involved such as the formation of polyamides, etc. In this process, functionals undergo the condensation reaction with the release of smaller molecules as a by-product such as water, HCl, etc. The presence of a functional group is essential for the condensation process. The longer reaction time in condensation polymerization is very crucial for the production of high yields. Produce condensed polymers. Condensation polymerization produces thermosets. In this process, the adjacent ones form covalent bonds with each other. This process also requires two different types of monomers. It is a very slow process. Condensation polymerization produces thermosets. In this process, the adjacent ones form covalent bonds with each other. This process also requires two different types of monomers. It is a very slow process. Condensation polymerization produces thermosets. In this process, the adjacent ones form covalent bonds with each other. This process also requires two different types of monomers. It is a very slow process.

Example

Proteins, Carbohydrates, Epoxy Resins, etc.

Key differences

  1. Addition polymerization always produces the addition polymers, while condensation polymerization always produces the condensed polymers.
  2. Addition polymerization always produces the thermoplastic, while condensed polymerization always produces the thermosets.
  3. Addition polymerization is the process in which unsaturation in the monomers is essential, while condensation polymerization is the process in which the presence of the functional group is essential.
  4. Addition polymerization is a very fast process while condensation process is a very slow process.
  5. In addition to polymerization, monomers have multiple bonds whereas, in condensation polymerization, monomers do not have multiple bonds.

Final Thoughts

The above discussion concludes that addition polymerization and condensation polymerization are types of processes involved in the formation of polymers. Addition polymerization involves the formation of addition polymers while condensation polymerization involves the formation of condensed polymers.

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