Ultrasonic degradation of polymers: Effect of operating parameters and intensification using additives for carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)

► Polymer degradation by ultrasonic energy is one of the promising routes for intrinsic viscosity reduction of polymers. ► The flexibility levels of the molecular chains of polymer decide the efficacy of sonochemical degradation ► The mechanical effects of cavitation phenomena using low frequency high power ultrasound yield better efficacy for polymer degradation ► For efficient scale up, it is recommended to use higher areas of irradiation using multiple transducers and also additives that can enhance the cavitational activity in the reactors.