<P> Polymerization of alkenes is a reaction that yields polymers of high industrial value at great economy , such as the plastics polyethylene and polypropylene . Polymers from alkene monomers are referred to in a general way as polyolefins or in rare instances as polyalkenes . A polymer from alpha - olefins is called a polyalphaolefin ( PAO ) . Polymerization can proceed via either a free - radical or an ionic mechanism , converting the double to a single bond and forming single bonds to join the other monomers . Polymerization of conjugated dienes such as buta - 1 , 3 - diene or isoprene ( 2 - methylbuta - 1 , 3 - diene ) results in largely 1 , 4 - addition with possibly some 1 , 2 - addition of the diene monomer to a growing polymer chain . </P>
what type of polymer is made by bonding an alkene to one or more alkanes or alkenes
Polymerization of alkenes