polymerizing
Building molecular chains
Polymerizing is the process of chemically bonding small molecules called monomers into long chains or networks called polymers.
This reaction is fundamental to creating plastics, rubber, and many synthetic materials.
The term applies both to industrial manufacturing and to natural processes: DNA replicates by polymerizing nucleotides.
Something that is polymerizing is actively undergoing this chain-building reaction.
Agent enabling change
- initiatorOne who starts something
- crosslinkingChemical bonds between polymers
- radicalsAdvocates for fundamental change
- propagationAct of spreading widely
termination · anionic · cationic · Ziegler-Natta · ring-opening · vulcanization · gelation · kinetics
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- thermosettingHardens permanently when heated
- resinViscous plant secretion
- extrusionPushing through a die
- compoundingElements merging progressively
pellets · additives · stabilizers · plasticizer · calendering · lamination · extruder · film
Restoring health or preserving
- coatingApplied surface covering
- adhesivesBonding substances
- sealantsLeak-preventing compounds
- compositesMaterials from merged components
fiberglass · laminates · encapsulation · molding · casting · hardening · setting · drying
Nucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
- enzymesReaction-speeding proteins
ribosomes · biopolymers · polysaccharides · cellulose · collagen · keratin · chitin · lignin
catalyst
Agent enabling change
- initiatorOne who starts something
- crosslinkingChemical bonds between polymers
- radicalsAdvocates for fundamental change
propagation · termination · anionic · cationic · Ziegler-Natta · ring-opening · vulcanization · gelation · kinetics · exothermic
thermoplastic
Heat-softenable, repeatedly reshapable polymer
- thermosettingHardens permanently when heated
- resinViscous plant secretion
- extrusionPushing through a die
compounding · pellets · additives · stabilizers · plasticizer · calendering · lamination · extruder · film · fabrication
curing
Restoring health or preserving
composites · fiberglass · laminates · encapsulation · molding · casting · hardening · setting · drying · autoclave
polymerase
Nucleic acid synthesis enzyme
- transcriptionWritten version of speech
- proteinsAmino acid polymers
- nucleotidesDNA and RNA subunits
enzymes · ribosomes · biopolymers · polysaccharides · cellulose · collagen · keratin · chitin · lignin · starch
polymerizingdepolymerizing
Breaking down macromolecules
degrading · breaking down · decomposing · hydrolyzing · cleaving
polymerizinginert
Inactive, physically or chemically
stabilizing · unreactive · stable · inactive · quiescent
depolymerization, polymer, polymers, monomer, polymeric, polymerize, polymerization, monomers, polymerized