Repolymerised

Repolymerised refers to the process of rejoining smaller molecules, known as monomers, to form larger molecules, called polymers. This is essentially the reverse of depolymerisation, where polymers are broken down into monomers. Repolymerisation can occur naturally, as in biological processes where cells rebuild complex molecules from simpler components, or it can be an engineered process in industrial settings.

In chemistry, repolymerisation is often employed in the recycling of plastics. Many plastic waste materials are polymers that can be subjected to conditions that break them down into their constituent monomers, which are then purified and repolymerised into new plastics. This method aims to reduce waste and conserve resources by creating a circular economy for plastics.

The specific conditions required for repolymerisation depend heavily on the type of polymer being reformed. Heat, catalysts, and pressure are common factors used to facilitate the reaction. For example, depolymerising PET (polyethylene terephthalate) into its monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, followed by their repolymerisation, is a common recycling route for PET bottles.

The efficiency and purity of the repolymerised product are crucial for its subsequent use. Contaminants from the original material or incomplete depolymerisation can affect the properties of the new polymer. Therefore, sophisticated separation and purification techniques are often integrated into the repolymerisation process.