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Related Concept Videos

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview01:03

Step-Growth Polymerization: Overview

Step-growth or condensation polymerization is a stepwise reaction of bi or multifunctional monomers to form long-chain polymers. As all the monomers are reactive, most of the monomers are consumed at the early stages of the reaction to form small chains of reactive oligomers, which then combine to form long polymer chains in the late stages. Hence, the reaction has to proceed for a long time to achieve high molecular weight polymers.
Many natural and synthetic polymers are produced by...
Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism00:57

Cationic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The cationic polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination. In the initiation step of the polymerization process, the π bond of a monomer gets protonated by the Lewis acid catalyst, which is formed from boron trifluoride and water. The protonation of the π bond generates a carbocation stabilized by the electron‐donating group. In the propagation step, the π bond of the second monomer acts as a nucleophile and attacks the generated carbocation,...
Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:04

Anionic Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The mechanism for anionic chain-growth polymerization involves initiation, propagation, and termination steps. In the initiation step, a nucleophilic anion, such as butyl lithium, initiates the polymerization process by attacking the π bond of the vinylic monomer. As a result, a carbanion, stabilized by the electron‐withdrawing group, is generated. The resulting carbanion acts as a Michael donor in the propagation step and attacks the second vinylic monomer, which acts as a Michael acceptor.
Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism01:09

Radical Chain-Growth Polymerization: Mechanism

The radical chain-growth polymerization mechanism consists of three steps: initiation, propagation, and termination of polymerization. The polymerization initiates when a free radical generated from the radical initiator adds to the unsaturated bond in the monomer. The unpaired electron of the free radical and one π electron in the unsaturated bond creates a σ bond between the free radical and the monomer. As a result, the other π electron in the unsaturated bond converts this species into the...
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...
Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers
10:09

Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers

Published on: June 30, 2018

Surface-relief phase structures generated by light-initiated polymerization.

A Rohrbach, K H Brenner

    Applied Optics
    |November 6, 2010
    PubMed
    Summary
    This summary is machine-generated.

    This study presents a simple method to create micro-optical elements using poly(methyl methacrylate). The technique allows for precise control over surface relief and phase growth for advanced optical applications.

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    Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures
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    Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures

    Published on: November 14, 2025

    Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Design
    05:49

    Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Design

    Published on: September 19, 2025

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    Last Updated: Jun 7, 2026

    Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers
    10:09

    Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers

    Published on: June 30, 2018

    Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures
    07:23

    Light-induced Patterning and Grafting for Slippery Surfaces based on Silane-coated Nanoporous Structures

    Published on: November 14, 2025

    Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Design
    05:49

    Laser Micromachining for Polymer Surface Topography Design

    Published on: September 19, 2025

    Area of Science:

    • Optics
    • Materials Science
    • Microfabrication

    Background:

    • Refractive micro-optical elements are crucial for miniaturized optical systems.
    • Fabrication methods often require complex processes and specialized equipment.
    • Developing simpler, more flexible fabrication techniques is essential for wider adoption.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To introduce a novel and straightforward method for fabricating refractive micro-optical elements.
    • To demonstrate the capability of structuring poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) layers for micro-optics.
    • To establish a mathematical model for the surface growth process.

    Main Methods:

    • Structuring of poly(methyl methacrylate) layers using a flexible and simple fabrication approach.
    • Achieving surface growth of several micrometers.
    • Utilizing UV intensity to control phase growth with a nearly linear response over a range of 8π.

    Main Results:

    • Demonstrated a fabrication method for refractive micro-optical elements.
    • Achieved a nearly linear phase growth response to UV intensity.
    • Observed edge steepness values as high as 2π for heights above 4 µm.
    • Presented experimental results of fabricated micro-optical components.

    Conclusions:

    • The presented method offers a flexible and simple approach to fabricating refractive micro-optical elements.
    • The process allows for precise control over surface relief and phase growth.
    • The established mathematical model aids in understanding and predicting surface growth behavior.