Condensation polymer
Condensation polymers (or polyamides) are any class of polymer formed through a condensation reaction, as opposed to addition polymers which involve the reaction of unsaturated monomers.
Nylon is a common condensation polymer. It is manufactured by reacting di-amines with carboxyl derivatives. In this example the derivative is a di-carboxylic acid, but di-acyl chlorides are also used:
The carboxylic acids and amines link to form peptide bonds, also known as amide groups. Proteins are condensation polymers made from amino acid monomers. Carbohydrates are also condensation polymers made from sugar monomers such as glucose and galactose.
- See also: Biopolymer
