Thermal degradation of polymers

Thermal degradation of polymers is a process where a polymer (which is a kind of material that is made up of lots of smaller parts put together) breaks down into smaller pieces when exposed to high temperatures. It usually happens when the polymer is heated above a certain temperature and it can lead to the whole material becoming weaker or even breaking apart. The smaller pieces that form when thermal degradation happens can make the material weaker or less stable.