Condensation polymerization is a step-growth mechanism wherein bifunctional or polyfunctional monomers react to form high-molecular-weight polymers while simultaneously eliminating small byproduct molecules, such as water or ammonia. This process is theoretically categorized into two distinct types: A-B systems involving self-condensation of single bifunctional monomers and A-A plus B-B systems reacting between complementary difunctional species. The resulting polymer architecture—whether linear chains or cross-linked networks—is strictly determined by the functionality (number of reactive groups) present in the constituent monomers.
Condensation polymerization is a step-growth mechanism wherein bifunctional or polyfunctional monomers react to form high-molecular-weight polymers while simultaneously eliminating small byproduct mo…