Definition
depolymerise
verb
- to break down a polymer into its constituent monomers or smaller molecular units
Usage: chiefly British spelling; American English typically uses 'depolymerize'; chemistry and materials science term
Examples
- The plastic was depolymerised into its original monomers for recycling.
- Heat and catalysts can depolymerise certain polymers efficiently.
- Scientists are developing methods to depolymerise waste plastics.
- The polymer chain depolymerises when exposed to specific chemical conditions.
- Industrial processes now depolymerise used materials to recover valuable compounds.