polymerization
n. C1 Advanced US //ˌpɑɫɪmɝəˈzeɪʃən// poly·mer·iza·tion
n. the process of joining many small molecules together to form a much larger molecule. This is how plastic and many natural materials like rubber are made.
n. the chemical process of joining monomers to form a polymer. Often involves the formation of long chains or networks through covalent bonds.
The polymerization of ethylene produces polyethylene.
Industrial chemists carefully control the temperature and pressure during polymerization to ensure the final plastic has the desired strength and flexibility.
The discovery of controlled radical polymerization allowed scientists to synthesize materials with precise molecular weights and specific branching structures that were previously impossible to achieve.
From polymerize + -ation.