depolymerization

(noun)

The decomposition of a polymer into smaller fragments.

Related Terms

Examples of depolymerization in the following topics:

  • Properties of Sulfur

    • At even higher temperatures, however, the viscosity decreases as depolymerization occurs.

  • Oxides

    • Some polymeric oxides (selenium dioxide and sulfur trioxide) depolymerize to give molecules when heated.

  • Recycling and Disposal

    • To increase the value of recovered PETE it may be depolymerized by superheated methanol into dimethyl terephthalate and ethylene glycol.