Chemistry of Polymerization andApplicationsES Polymer: it is a high molecular weight compound and large molecule that consists of small repeating units called monomers. ES Polymerization: it is the process in which a small unit (monomer) is converted to a large unit or large m.wt compound called polymer Monomer: is the basic building block in polymer. * Homo-polymer Monomer repeating unit sl. Co-polymer > Homomer: In this type, a single type of monomer unit is present. For example, polyethylene > Heteropolymer or co-polymer: It consists of different types of monomer units. For example, nylon -6, 6. Ei Classification of Co-polymers Linear copolymers can be further classified into several categories such as alternating and statistical copolymers. This classification is done based on the arrangement of the monomers on the main chain 1. Block Copolymers + When more than one homopolymer units are linked together via covalent bonds, the resulting single-chain macromolecule is called a block copolymer. + Ajunction block is an intermediate unit at which the two homopolymer chains are linked, + A diblock copolymer contains two homopolymer blocks whereas a triblock copolymer contains three distinct blocks of homopolymers‘An example of such a polymer is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly referred to as SBS rubber. An illustration describing the structure of a block copolymer which is made up of the monomers ‘A’ and 'B' is provided below. —B—B—B—B—A—A—A—A— 2. Stati ‘al Copolymer Statistical copolymers are polymers in which two or more monomers are arranged in a sequence that follows some statistical rule. Should the mole fraction of a monomer be equal to the probability of finding a residue of that monomer at any point in the chain, the entire polymer is then known as a random polymer. These polymers are generally synthesized via the free radical polymerization method. An example of a statistical polymer is the rubber made from the copolymers of styrene and butadiene. An illustration describing the structure of a statistical copolymer is provided below. —A—B—A—B— 3. Alternating Copolymers Altemating copolymers contain a single main chain with alternating monomers. The formula of an alternating copolymer made up of monomers A and B can be generalized to (-A-B-), Nylon 6,6 is an example of an alternating copolymer, consisting of alternating units of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid An illustration describing the general structure of these polymers is provided below. —A—B—A—B—4, Periodic Copolymers These polymers feature a repeating sequence in which the monomers are arranged in a single chain. An illustration of the structure of a periodic copolymer made up of monomers Aand Bis provided below. A—B—A—B—B—A—A—A n 5. Gradient and Stereoblock Copolymers The single-chain copolymers in which the composition of monomers gradually changes along the main chain are called gradient copolymers. If the tacticity of the monomers varies with different blocks or units in the polymer, the macromolecule is known as a stereoblock copolymer 6. Branched Copolymer As the name suggests, a branched copolymer is a polymer in which the monomers form a branched structure. Some important types of branched copolymers include star, comb, grafted, and brush copolymers A star copolymer contains several polymeric chains that are attached to the same central core.