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Question
Synthetic polymers do not degrade in the environment for a long time. How can biodegradable synthetic polymers be made?
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Solution
Biodegradable polymers
Biodegradable polymers are a special class of polymers that breaks down after its intended purpose by bacterial decomposition process to result in natural by-products such as CO2, N2 water and biomass.
Ex: PHBV, Nylon 2 - nylon 6.
Preparation of PHBV i.e., Poly β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyvalerate
It is obtained by the copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid.
Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are quite resistant to environmental oxidation and enzyme actions. They do not easily degrade and cause the accumulation of solid waste. Examples of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers are polythene, PVC, Terylene, Nylon, etc. New synthetic polymers are being designed and developed.
Biodegradable polymers are a special class of polymers that breaks down after its intended purpose by bacterial decomposition process to result in natural by-products such as CO2, N2 water and biomass.
Ex: PHBV, Nylon 2 - nylon 6.
Preparation of PHBV i.e., Poly β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyvalerate
It is obtained by the copolymerization of 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid.
Synthetic Polymers
Synthetic polymers are quite resistant to environmental oxidation and enzyme actions. They do not easily degrade and cause the accumulation of solid waste. Examples of non-biodegradable synthetic polymers are polythene, PVC, Terylene, Nylon, etc. New synthetic polymers are being designed and developed.
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