Monomersis

Monomersis is a term occasionally used in polymer science to denote the process of generating monomer units from larger polymeric structures, effectively the reverse of polymerization. The term is not standard in major reference works, and its precise interpretation varies by author. In some discussions it refers to deliberate strategies for recovering monomers from waste polymers to enable closed-loop recycling.

In practical terms, monomersis would involve bond cleavage within polymers to release intact or near-intact monomers, rather than simply breaking the material into small fragments. Chemical, thermal, or catalytic routes such as hydrolysis, alcoholysis, or selective depolymerization are cited as mechanisms that could realize monomer recovery under suitable conditions.

Examples cited in the literature include the depolymerization of PET to terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, or the hydrolysis of polyesters and polycarbonates to corresponding monomers. The concept also encompasses processes designed to minimize impurities and energy use to produce monomers suitable for direct reuse in polymer synthesis.

Relationship to other terms: monomersis is closely related to depolymerization, chemical recycling, and monomer recovery. It emphasizes the value chain from polymer waste back to feedstock monomers rather than to lower-order products or energy. Challenges include economic viability, process efficiency, and management of contaminants.

See also: Monomer, Polymerization, Depolymerization, Chemical recycling, Recycling.