Final answer:
General polymerization kinetics phase refers to the stages and rate at which polymerization reactions occur, leading to the formation of polymers such as polyethylene through addition or condensation mechanisms. This process includes initiation, propagation, and termination stages, and can be influenced by conditions like pressure and temperature.
Step-by-step explanation:
General Polymerization Kinetics Phase
The concept of the general polymerization kinetics phase is central in the field of Chemistry, specifically in the synthesis of polymers. Polymerization kinetics describe the rate at which monomer units react to form a polymer, including the various stages of the process: initiation, propagation, and termination. During initiation, an active center is created, which could be a free radical or an ion, depending on the type of polymerization. Propagation is the step where the active center adds to monomers, thereby growing the polymer chain. For example, the monomer ethylene (C2H4) can be transformed into polyethylene, which is a very common plastic used in packaging, through a catalyzed polymerization process.
There are chiefly two types of polymerizations: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. Addition polymerization generally involves the growth of polymer chains by carbon-carbon bond formation without the loss of any small molecules. In contrast, condensation polymerization typically involves the joining of two different monomers with the concurrent loss of small molecules, such as water, and the growth of polymer chains by carbon-heteroatom bond formation (e.g., C-O & C-N bonds in Dacron & Nylon).
These processes can be influenced by external conditions such as pressure and temperature which can affect the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer. Understanding polymerization kinetics is crucial for developing materials with desired properties for specific applications.