What is the Difference Between Copolymer and Terpolymer?

The main difference between a copolymer and a terpolymer lies in the number of monomers involved in the polymerization process.

• Copolymer: A copolymer is a polymer derived from the polymerization of two different monomers. It contains more than one type of repeating unit, and the process of polymerization that forms a copolymer is called "copolymerization". Examples of copolymers include ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) and styrene-butadiene co-polymer (SBR).
• Terpolymer: A terpolymer is a type of polymer that is made of three different types of monomers. Terpolymers are a subset of copolymers, specifically obtained from the copolymerization of three monomer species. An example of a terpolymer is acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), which is made from the polymerization of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene monomers.

In summary:

• Copolymers are polymers consisting of two or more different types of monomers.
• Terpolymers are a type of copolymers that consist of three different types of monomers.

Comparative Table: Copolymer vs Terpolymer

The main difference between a copolymer and a terpolymer is the number of different types of monomers involved in their formation. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between copolymers and terpolymers:

Both copolymers and terpolymers are types of polymers consisting of different types of monomers, but terpolymers are a specific type of copolymers that have three different types of monomers.