Undergrad Is it possible to unbind a neutron star?

[Cato]

TL;DR

Unbinding a neutron star

Type 1a supernovas unbind a white dwarf. Is there some theoretically possible scenario in which a neutron star could be unbound and thus turned into degenerate matter or even regular matter? For example, by a high speed glancing collision with another neutron star or by tidal disruption by a black hole?

 

[phyzguy]

Yes! This is exactly what can happen when two neutron stars merge. Most of the matter is incorporated into a larger neutron star or black hole, but some small fraction (a few % ?) gets flung out into space, where it expands and becomes regular matter. We think this is the source of most of the heavy elements (heavier than iron) in our universe. Here's a starting point for further reading:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_star_merger

 

[Cato]

Thanks for that answer, phyzguy! I was hoping something along those lines could occur.