1. to break down a polymer into smaller molecules or monomers
Usage: chemistry; technical

Examples

• Heat can depolymerize certain plastics into their original components.
• The enzyme helps depolymerize cellulose in plant cell walls.
• Scientists are studying how to depolymerize waste materials for recycling.
• UV radiation can depolymerize some synthetic polymers over time.
• The process will depolymerize the long chain molecules into shorter fragments.
• Researchers found a way to depolymerize the plastic without harmful byproducts.