Depolymerization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003028",
  "term": "Depolymerization",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A chemical process in which a polymer chain is broken down into its constituent monomer molecules or smaller oligomeric fragments. This reaction is essentially the reverse of polymerization and can be induced by heat, radiation, or chemical agents. It is a method for recycling polymers or for analyzing their monomer composition.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "macromolecule",
    "monomer",
    "monomer molecule",
    "polymer",
    "reaction step",
    "sequence"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1996, 68, 2287. 'Glossary of basic terms in polymer science (IUPAC Recommendations 1996)' on page 2309 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199668122287)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/depolymerization/"
}