When oligomers link together into a solid, that process is called _____.

• A. Polymerization
• B. Crosslinking
• C. Condensation
• D. Polymer Growth

Answer: (A)

Polymerization is the process by which small units called oligomers or monomers link together to form a larger polymer that behaves as a solid. When oligomers join to create a solid film, you’re forming a polymer chain or network—exactly what polymerization describes. In nail systems cured by UV or LED light, the exposure triggers this polymerization, turning liquid or gel components into a hard, durable solid. Crosslinking, on the other hand, involves bonds between already-formed polymer chains and can occur during or after polymerization, affecting strength and rigidity but not describing the initial formation from oligomers. Condensation polymerization is a specific type of polymerization that releases a small byproduct, which isn’t specified in the basic joining process here. Polymer growth isn’t a standard term used to name this process.