Ionic Chain-Growth Polymerization

Abstract

Ionic polymerization can be either cationic or anionic. This difference stems from the nature of the carrier ions on the growing polymeric chains. If in the process of growth, the chains carry positive centers, or carbon cations, the mechanism of chain growth is designated as cationic. On the other hand, if the growing chains carry negative ions, or carbanions, then the polymerization is designated as anionic.