1. 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.