Hydrolysis's a chemical reaction during which one or more water molecules are split into hydrogen and hydroxide ions, which may go on to participate in further reactions. It's the type of reaction that's used to break down certain polymers, especially those made by step-growth polymerization. Such polymer degradation's usually catalysed by either acid for example concentrated sulphuric acid [H2SO4] or alkali for example sodium hydroxide [NaOH] attack, often increasing with their strength or pH.… (More on Hydrolysis)