Difference between Addition and Condensation Polymers, addition polymers, condensation polymers.

Difference between Addition and Condensation Polymers

Reaction;

Polymers obtained through addition reaction are called addition Polymers.Polymers obtained through condensation reaction are called condensation Polymers.

Molecular formula;

Addition polymers are formed by monomers having molecular formula of repeating structural unit same as that of the starting monomer, while  condensation polymers are formed by monomers having molecular formula of the repeating structural unit different from that of monomer.

Loss of simple molecule;

During formation of addition Polymers, there is no loss of molecule in polymerisation process. While during formation of condensation polymers, there is loss of simple molecule like water, ammonia, hydrogen chloride and alcohol etc in polymerisation process.

Made from;

The addition polymers are made from combination of same type monomers. While the condensation polymers are made from  combination of different type monomers.

Nature of the monomer;

The monomers from which addition polymers are derived are generally unsaturated compounds (i.e. compounds containing double or triple bond). While the monomers from which condensation polymers are derived are generally compounds containing two functional groups.

Example;

Example of addition polymers include polythene, polypropylene,PVC etc. While examples of condensation polymers include Bakelite, nylon 6,6, terylene etc.

Classification of polymers on the basis of mode of polymerisation

Polymers are classified into two types on the basis of mode of polymerisation.

Condensation Polymers  

Addition Polymers.

The terms addition and condensation polymers are given by Carother. He classified these polymers on the basis of atoms in monomers and the repeating unit of polymers. The addition polymers have same atoms in repeating unit as that of its monomer. These polymers generally have backbone of carbon atoms. While the condensation polymers have fewer atoms in repeating unit than in that of monomers because some atoms are loss as biproduct in the process of polymerisation. These Polymers have backbone of atoms of more than one element.
                                                                                     

Where A-L and B-M are different functional groups.