What is the process of joining monomers to form a polymer called?

The process of joining monomers to form a polymer is referred to as polymerization. This term encompasses various chemical reactions that result in the formation of polymer chains from smaller, repeating units known as monomers. Polymerization can occur through different mechanisms, such as addition polymerization or condensation polymerization, where monomers are linked through chemical bonds.

Understanding polymerization is essential for a coatings inspector, as the properties of the resulting polymer significantly influence the performance, durability, and application of coatings. In coatings, the type of polymer used can determine factors like adhesion, flexibility, chemical resistance, and hardness, which are critical in assessing the quality and suitability of a coating for specific environments.

The other options, while related to chemical processes, do not specifically describe the formation of polymers from monomers. Condensation refers to a specific type of polymerization where small molecules are eliminated during the reaction. Catalysis involves the use of substances to speed up a chemical reaction without being consumed, while solidification pertains to the process of changing a material from a liquid to a solid state, which is not directly related to the formation of polymers.