degradation

In chemistry, degradation refers to the process where a chemical compound breaks down into simpler parts. This is also known as decomposition. Decomposition reactions often require an input of energy. For example, heating potassium chlorate breaks it down into potassium chloride and oxygen gas.12

Corrosion is a specific type of degradation where a material, typically a refined metal, wears away due to chemical reactions, primarily oxidation. This process occurs when a surface reacts with atmospheric agents like moisture and oxygen, and is accelerated by heat, acids, and salts. Metals convert into more stable forms, such as oxides, hydroxides, or sulfides.3

Unlike organic materials, conventional plastics are not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down. They resist natural decay because microorganisms' enzymes do not act on their chemical bonds. Instead, plastics fragment into microplastics, which persist in the environment and can leach harmful chemicals.4