https://doi.org/10.1351/goldbook.13891
Degradation that results in desired changes in the values of in-use properties of the material because of macromolecule cleavage and molar mass decrease.
Notes:
- Adapted where the definition is general. For biorelated polymers, the definition is purposely and specifically limited to the chemical degradation of macromolecules in order to make a clear distinction with the physical degradation of the material.
- In any condition, degradation must be used instead of biodegradation when the mechanism of chain scission is not known or demonstrated as cell-mediated.
- Degradation can result from the action of enzymes (see enzymatic degradation), or from the action of cells, organisms, and/or microorganisms.
See: disintegration