Basic Classification and Definitions of Polymerization Reactions
I. Mita, Robert F. T. Stepto, U. W. Suter · IUPAC Standards Online · 2016
Polymerizations have traditionally been classified as addition polymerizations and condensation polymerizations. However, developments in chemical methods of polymerization and syntheses of new types of polymer have meant that more than two classes of polymerization need to be defined if a clear terminology is to be achieved. Several, alternative, two-fold terminologies have been introduced ad hoc into the literature. All have serious shortcomings in terms of comprehensiveness, unambiguity and scientific correctness.