Homopolymers

Definition

Homopolymers are polymers made from a single type of monomer, resulting in a chain where all the repeating units are identical. They contrast with copolymers, which are derived from two or more different monomers.

Related terms

Polymerization:

The chemical process that combines several monomers to form a polymer or polymeric compound.

Monomer:

A small molecule that can be chemically bonded to other identical molecules to form a polymer.

Copolymer:

A polymer derived from more than one species of monomer, resulting in a material with varying properties along its length