addition polymer
C1+ (Specialist)Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A polymer formed by the chain addition of unsaturated monomer molecules (like ethylene) without the loss of any small molecules (like water).
A large molecule made by repeatedly adding one monomer unit to a growing chain; the most common class of synthetic polymers (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Contrasts with 'condensation polymer', where small molecules are eliminated during formation. The term is primarily used in chemistry and materials science.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows national conventions (e.g., 'polymerisation' vs. 'polymerization').
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language but standard in scientific contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Polyethylene is a classic addition polymer.The addition polymer formed from propylene is polypropylene.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in manufacturing/plastics industry reports.
Academic
Core term in polymer chemistry and materials science courses and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Essential term for chemists, engineers, and materials scientists.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The monomer was polymerised to form a long-chain addition polymer.
American English
- The monomer polymerized via an addition mechanism.
adverb
British English
- The reaction proceeds addition-wise.
American English
- The monomers reacted addition-style.
adjective
British English
- The addition polymerisation process is highly efficient.
American English
- Polyethylene is an addition polymer material.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Plastic bags are often made from an addition polymer called polyethylene.
- Unlike nylon, which is a condensation polymer, polystyrene is formed as an addition polymer.
- The radical-initiated addition polymerisation of styrene yields polystyrene, a ubiquitous addition polymer with excellent insulating properties.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'addition' as simply adding many identical Lego blocks (monomers) end-to-end to form a long chain, with nothing left over.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING A TRAIN BY LINKING IDENTICAL CARRIAGES.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as 'добавочный полимер' – the standard term is 'полимер присоединения'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with 'condensation polymer'. Using 'additional polymer' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of an addition polymer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, polyethylene is the most classic example of an addition polymer, formed from ethylene (ethene) monomers.
Addition polymers form without losing small molecules, while condensation polymers form with the elimination of a small molecule (e.g., water, HCl).
Most are synthetic, but natural rubber (polyisoprene) is a rare example of a natural addition polymer.
It refers to the chemical reaction type—an addition reaction—where the double bond of the monomer 'opens up' to add to the growing chain.