Deterioration

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003084",
  "term": "Deterioration",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A deleterious change in the physical properties of a polymer, resulting from external factors such as heat, light, or chemical exposure, without necessarily involving chemical bond cleavage. This process affects macroscopic characteristics like strength, color, or shape. Deterioration is distinguished from degradation, which specifically involves a reduction in molar mass due to the scission of covalent bonds in the main polymer chain.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "degradation"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 377. 'Terminology for biorelated polymers and applications (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 389 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-10-12-04)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/deterioration/"
}