14. Important Polymers Produced by Chain-Growth Polymerization

The chapter delves into the production and properties of polymers and copolymers produced by chain-growth polymerization, with a focus on polyolefins such as polyethene (PE) and synthetic elastomers. It highlights the global market size of polyolefins, estimated at 160 million tons in 2018, and synthetic elastomers, at 14.2 million tons in 2020. The chapter discusses various types of PE, including LDPE, HDPE, MDPE, LLDPE, and VLDPE, and their manufacturing processes such as high-pressure and low-pressure polymerization. It also covers other important polymers like polyoxymethylene (POM), poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE), and polydienes such as polybutadiene and polyisoprene. The chapter provides insights into the unique properties, applications, and market significance of these polymers, making it a valuable resource for professionals interested in the latest advancements in polymer science and technology.