verb
- breaking down a polymer into smaller molecular units or monomers
Usage: technical; chemistry
Examples
- The chemical process is depolymerizing the plastic waste into reusable monomers.
- Scientists are depolymerizing the polymer chains to recover raw materials.
- Heat and catalysts are depolymerizing the synthetic rubber compound.
- The enzyme is depolymerizing the cellulose into glucose molecules.
- Industrial facilities are depolymerizing recycled polymers to reduce waste.