Depolymerization

Abstract

This article provides an overview of depolymerization from a thermodynamic and kinetic perspective. Depolymerization is characterized by the scission of the main chain backbone. Three types of reactions such as random degradation, depolymerization, and weak‐link degradation may occur separately or in conjunction with each other. The kinetic treatment of depolymerization processes has been described in the case of random degradation and chain depolymerization. Depolymerization is characterized by their thermodynamic and energetic features such as heat, entropy, free energy for polymerization, bond‐dissociation energy, and activation energy. Current applications of depolymerization are found in various fields such as biological recycling (biorecycling), chemical recycling, agricultural uses in the natural environment, and medical uses.