Question

Which of the following are biodegradable polymers?
(a). Nylon 6,6
(b). PHBV
(c). Nylon-2-nylon-6
(d). Polychloroprene

Answer 1

Hint: This is a multiple choice question. There are two correct answers. One of the polymers is used in specialty packing, orthopaedic devices and in controlled release of drugs. Other one consists of caproic acid and glycine monomers. It is used in making ropes, parachutes and artificial fibres.

Complete step by step answer:
Biodegradable polymers are defined as materials whose chemical and physical characteristics undergo certain deterioration and completely degrade when exposed to microorganisms, aerobic and anaerobic processes.
There are two types of biodegradable polymers:
Natural Biodegradable polymers
Synthetic Biodegradable polymers
Natural biodegradable polymers are polymers found in nature during the growth cycles of all organisms, hence, they are also referred to as natural polymers. Eg. Polysaccharides like starch, lignin etc.
Synthetic biodegradable polymers are prepared in the laboratory by the reaction of two monomers. Hence, they are referred to as artificial polymers. Eg: PHBV, Nylon2-Nylon-6
PHBV and nylon-2-nylon-6 are two biodegradable polymers. PHBV stands for Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). In this, monomers, 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid are joined by ester bonds. Monomers of nylon2-nylon-6 are glycine and amino caproic acid.

Additional information:
There are various advantages of biodegradable polymers. They are mentioned as follows
Carbon emission reduction
One of the advantages related to the use of biodegradable plastics is the minimal emission of carbon in the air during the process of manufacturing bioplastics
Consumes Less Energy
The manufacturing process of biodegradable plastics requires less amount of energy and does not need fossil fuels to be recycled.
Recyclable
Apart from taking less time to break down when discarded, biodegradable plastics can also be recycled and are non-toxic since they contain no chemicals or toxins compared to other types of plastics that can emit harmful chemicals, especially if burned.

Therefore, the answer of the above question is option (b) PHBV and (c) Nylon-2-nylon-6

Note: It should not be confused with nylon-2-nylon-6 with nylon-6. Both are different polymers. Nylon 6 has a monomer of caprolactum only.