Addition Polymers

• Addition polymers


  • addition polymers are made from unsaturated monomers (carbon-carbon double bond)
  • e.g. poly(ethene)
• Addition polymerisation


  • The process in which monomers join together to form a polymer without losing molecules or atoms
  • Requires high temperature, high pressure, and catalyst

  1. unsaturated monomers undergoes addition polymerisation
  2. the carbon-carbon double bonds in the monomer break
  3. each monomer forms carbon-carbon single bonds with two adjacent monomers, forming a polymer
• Polymer Uses


  • poly(ethene) : making plastic bags and ethene
  • poly(propene) : making plastic bottles and containers
  • poly(chloroethene) PVC : making gloves and raincoats