Plastics, fibers, elastomers, coatings, or adhesivesuses. One molecule adds to another with no net loss of atoms. The intermediates in the processfree radicals, ions, or metal complexesare transient and cannot be isolated. Fast molecular weight buildup. Monomer concentration decreases steadily.
Monomers are olefins, cyclic ethers, or aldehydes.
A small molecule is lost as two monomers combine. 2 O, CH 3 OH, or HCl, condenses over. Slow molecular weight buildup. Monomer disappears early in the reaction because of oligomer formation. Mixture contains wide distribution of slowly growing oligomers.