This article introduces a new method for achieving on-demand degradation of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization. The key innovation is the use of cyclobutene-based monomers that can be co-polymerized with conventional monomers. These monomers contain mechanophores, which are sensitive to mechanical forces. When subjected to mechanical stress, the cyclobutene rings open, leading to the formation of imide groups in the polymer backbone. These imide groups can then be hydrolyzed under basic conditions, enabling the polymer to degrade. This approach allows for the controlled degradation of polymers, which is particularly useful for chemical recycling and reducing environmental pollution. The study demonstrates that these cyclobutene-based monomers can be effectively used in both free radical and controlled radical polymerization processes. The resulting polymers can be degraded into low-molecular-weight species through mechanical activation and subsequent hydrolysis. This method is applicable to a wide range of polymers, including those used in biomedical applications, drug delivery, and microelectronics. The research also highlights the importance of mechanical activation in polymer degradation, showing that polymers can be designed to degrade only under specific conditions, such as mechanical forces and basic pH. This is particularly beneficial for environmental applications, as it allows for the degradation of polymers in seawater, where they are exposed to mechanical forces and basic conditions. The study provides detailed insights into the synthesis and degradation mechanisms of these polymers, demonstrating their potential for use in various applications. The results show that the degradation process can be controlled and tailored to specific needs, making these polymers promising candidates for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.This article introduces a new method for achieving on-demand degradation of polymers synthesized via radical polymerization. The key innovation is the use of cyclobutene-based monomers that can be co-polymerized with conventional monomers. These monomers contain mechanophores, which are sensitive to mechanical forces. When subjected to mechanical stress, the cyclobutene rings open, leading to the formation of imide groups in the polymer backbone. These imide groups can then be hydrolyzed under basic conditions, enabling the polymer to degrade. This approach allows for the controlled degradation of polymers, which is particularly useful for chemical recycling and reducing environmental pollution. The study demonstrates that these cyclobutene-based monomers can be effectively used in both free radical and controlled radical polymerization processes. The resulting polymers can be degraded into low-molecular-weight species through mechanical activation and subsequent hydrolysis. This method is applicable to a wide range of polymers, including those used in biomedical applications, drug delivery, and microelectronics. The research also highlights the importance of mechanical activation in polymer degradation, showing that polymers can be designed to degrade only under specific conditions, such as mechanical forces and basic pH. This is particularly beneficial for environmental applications, as it allows for the degradation of polymers in seawater, where they are exposed to mechanical forces and basic conditions. The study provides detailed insights into the synthesis and degradation mechanisms of these polymers, demonstrating their potential for use in various applications. The results show that the degradation process can be controlled and tailored to specific needs, making these polymers promising candidates for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.