Monomers, Intermediates and Base Polymers

Monomers, intermediates and base polymers are starting raw materials or binders for the production of compounded resins, plastics and elastomers, paints or organic coatings, adhesives and sealants. A monomer is a small molecule that may become chemically bonded to other monomers to form a polymer. Examples of monomers include hydrocarbons such as the alkene and arene series. Hydrocarbon monomers such as styrene and ethene form polymers used in plastics such as polystyrene and polyethene. Other commercially important monomers include acrylic monomers such as acrylic acid, methyl methacrylate, and acrylamide. A reactive intermediate is a short-lived, high energy, highly reactive molecule formed during the polymer synthesis. When generated in a chemical reaction, reactive intermediates quickly convert into a more stable molecule. A base polymer refers to the starting material used for polymer synthesis. Other types of monomers, intermediates and base polymers are also available.