Polymer Basics
AimsBefore you startIntroductionNaming polymersShape, size & structure IPolymer chain morphologyShape, size & structure IIStereoregularityCopolymersCrystallinitySynthesisMolecular weightPolymer identificationSummaryQuestionsGoing furtherTLP creditsTLP contentsShow all contentViewing and downloading resourcesAbout the TLPsTerms of useFeedbackCredits Print this page
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Copolymers
A polymer whose monomers are all identical is a homopolymer. However, polymers may be synthesised using two or more different monomers, and this produces a copolymer. This is a useful process; for example if two monomers each produce a homopolymer with a desirable property, a copolymer can be produced which combines them.
The properties of the copolymer depend on the monomers and their configuration; these may be divided into four categories: alternating, random, block and graft (illustrated below).