chain growth polymerization

Chain growth polymerization is a process where small molecules called monomers repeatedly add to a growing chain, forming a long polymer. This happens in three main steps: initiation (creating active sites to start chain growth), propagation (adding monomers to extend the chain), and termination (stopping the growth). The process often involves radicals, ions, or molecules with reactive sites. It is characteristic of polymers like plastics (e.g., polyethylene) and allows rapid formation of large molecules from simple building blocks through a chain reaction mechanism.