Question

122. What is meant by a copolymer? Why are copolymers preferred to other polymers for various purposes?

Answer 1

Part 1: Definition of copolymer:

When two different monomers are joined to form a polymer, then it is called a copolymer.

Part 2: Copolymers preferred to other polymers:

• Many commercially important polymers are copolymers. Examples are polyethylene-vinyl acetate (PEVA), nitrile rubber, etc.
• Copolymers are often used to improve or modify certain properties of plastics.