Question

Which of the following is a biodegradable polymer
A.PHBV
B.Nylon-6,6
C.Nylon 6
D.All

Answer 1

Hint:To answer this question, you should recall the concept of biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers. Materials which decompose in a few days are decomposed by the action of microorganisms and are referred to as being biodegradable. The materials which are not decomposed by the action of microorganisms are known as non-biodegradable materials.

Complete step by step answer:
Poly $\beta $ - hydroxybutyrate – co - $\beta $ - hydroxy valerate (PHBV) is a biodegradable polymer. This polymer is formed by combining 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid, in which these two monomers are cross-linked by an ester linkage.
The decomposition reaction of this polymer results in the formation of carbon dioxide and water. It is brittle and it can be used in the production of drugs and the manufacturing of bottles to reduce environmental pollution.
Non-biodegradable polymers. Nylon 2 – Nylon 6 is a non-biodegradable polymer. This polymer is a polyamide copolymerization of glycine \[({H_2}N - C{H_2} - COOH)\] and aminocaproic acid \[({H_2}N - {(C{H_2})_5} - COOH).\]
The non-biodegradable polymers contain long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The interatomic bonding and bridging make it tough for microbes to break the bonds and digest them. Polyethene is a commonly used non-biodegradable polymer.
It exists in different types: Linear high-density polyethene (HDPE), Branched low-density polyethene (LDPE) and Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). Other major non-biodegradable polymers are: Polystyrene (PS), Polypropylene (PP), Poly (tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) (Teflon).

Therefore, we can conclude that the correct answer to this question is option A.

Note:
The other polymers mentioned in Nylon 6 and Nylon 6, 6 both are non-biodegradable polymers and do not decompose. They are used in clothing, rubber materials etc.