Homopolymer and Copolymer

Homopolymer:

A polymer formed from one type of monomers is called homopolymer. For example, polythene is a homopolymer of monomer ethylene.

n CH₂ = CH₂  ———>   ― [CH₂―CH₂]_n—

Ethylene                            Polyethylene

(monomers)                          (polymer)

Copolymer:

On the other hand, a polymer formed from two or more different monomers is called copolymer or mixed polymer. For example, Terylene is a polymer of two types of monomers; ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.

n HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH + n HOOC-C₆H₄-COOH   ——->   ― [O-CH₂CH₂-OOC-C₆H₄-CO]_n―

Ethylene glycol             Terephthalic acid                             Terylene or Dacron