What is the term for the chemical reaction when monomer molecules form a three-dimensional network?

The term for the chemical reaction when monomer molecules form a three-dimensional network is polymerization. This process involves the linking of individual monomer units to create a polymer, which is a larger molecule that exhibits distinct properties from the individual monomers. In nail technology, this is particularly important during the application of products like acrylics, where the monomers react to form a hard, durable finish that adds strength and structure to the nails.

During polymerization, the monomers undergo a chemical change, often catalyzed by a chemical initiator or heat, which facilitates the joining of monomers into a continuous chain or network. This network formation contributes to the physical attributes of the final product, making it suitable for nail enhancements.

Other options such as condensation, evaporation, and oxidation refer to different chemical processes that do not involve the formation of a three-dimensional network in the same manner. Condensation typically involves the combination of molecules with the loss of small molecules like water, while evaporation refers to the change of a substance from liquid to gas. Oxidation is a chemical reaction where a substance loses electrons, usually involving a reaction with oxygen, but does not describe the formation of polymers from monomers.