Editing Thermal depolymerization (section)

{{Short description|Process for breaking-down polymers}}
'''Thermal depolymerization''' ('''TDP''') is the process of converting a [[polymer]] into a [[monomer]] or a mixture of monomers,<ref>{{GoldBookRef|title=Depolymerization|file = D01600}}</ref> by predominantly thermal means. It may be [[Catalysis|catalyzed]] or un-catalyzed and is distinct from other forms of [[depolymerisation|depolymerization]] which may rely on the use of chemicals or biological action. This process is associated with an increase in [[entropy]].

For most polymers, thermal depolymerization is chaotic process, giving a mixture of [[Volatility (chemistry)|volatile]] compounds. Materials may be depolymerized in this way during [[waste management]], with the volatile components produced being burnt as a form of [[synthetic fuel]] in a [[waste-to-energy]] process. For other polymers, thermal depolymerization is an ordered process giving a single product, or limited range of products; these transformations are usually more valuable and form the basis of some [[plastic recycling]] technologies.<ref name="Thiounn2020">{{cite journal |last1=Thiounn |first1=Timmy |last2=Smith |first2=Rhett C. |title=Advances and approaches for chemical recycling of plastic waste |journal=Journal of Polymer Science |date=15 May 2020 |volume=58 |issue=10 |pages=1347–1364 |doi=10.1002/pol.20190261|doi-access=free}}</ref>