Question

What is a biodegradable polymer? Given an example of biodegradable aliphatic polyester.

Answer 1

Biodegradable polymers are those polymers which get decomposed under aerobic or anaerobic conditions because of action of microorganism, enzymes.

It is generally developed by the materials like starch, cellulose and polyesters. Aliphatic polyesters are the most commonly used polymers of this type.

Some examples are Poly $\beta$-hydroxybutyrate – co-$\beta$-hydroxy valerate (PHBV). It is derived by combining together 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid.