What is a homopolymer and give an example?

A homopolymer is a type of polymer that is made up of identical monomer units repeated throughout the polymer chain. These monomer units are chemically the same, which gives homopolymers specific properties based on the type of monomer used.

Characteristics of Homopolymers:

1. Single Monomer Type: The polymer is formed from only one type of monomer. This is the key feature that distinguishes homopolymers from copolymers, which are made from two or more different types of monomers.
2. Uniform Structure: Due to the identical monomer units, homopolymers have a uniform molecular structure.
3. Simple Composition: Homopolymers generally have simpler properties and are easier to study in terms of their behavior, as all the repeating units are the same.

Example of Homopolymer:

• Polyethylene (PE): This is one of the most common examples of a homopolymer. Polyethylene is made from the monomer ethylene (C₂H₄), and the polymer chain consists of only repeating units of ethylene.

  Polyethylene Structure:

  • The repeating unit is: [-CH₂-CH₂-].
  • Polyethylene is widely used in plastic bags, bottles, containers, and pipes due to its simplicity, durability, and ease of production.

A homopolymer is a polymer composed of repeating identical monomer units, like polyethylene, which is made from the monomer ethylene. Homopolymers are widely used in various industries due to their predictable and consistent properties.