Types of degradation:
Polymer degradation is broadly 2 types-
1/ Chain-end degradation
2/ Random degradation
1/ Chain degradation:
The degradation starts from the chain-ends resulting in successive release of the monomeric units. Reverse of propagation, step in chain polymerization. This type of degradation is called depolymerization. Opening of the zip on unzipping.
Chain end degradation occurs when the backbone are weaker than the bonds of the side groups.
2/ Random degradation:
Degradation occurs at any random point along the polymer chain instead of the chain ends. It is the reverse of the poly-condensation.
Difference between Chain-end degradation & Random degradation:
