What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Polymers, Polymers NCERT Solutions

Question:

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

Answer:

A polymer that can be decomposed by bacteria is called a biodegradable polymer.

The biodegradable polymer are the polymers which are degraded by the micro-organism within a suitable period so that biodegradable polymers and their degraded products do not cause any serious effects on the environment. They degrade by enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation. The decomposition reactions involves hydrolysis (either enzymatically induced or by non –enzymatic mechanism) to non- toxic small molecules which can be metabolized or excreted from the body.

The common examples of aliphatic biodegradable polymers are polyglycolic acid(PGA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxy butyrates-co-beta hydroxyl valerate( PHBV), Polycaprolactone(pcl), Nylon-2-nylon-6.

These polymers are used mainly for medical goods such as surgical sutures, tissues in growth materials, for controlled drug release, plasma substitutes etc. They are also used in agriculture materials, such as films, seed coatings, fast food wrappers, personal hygiene products etc.

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-CO-β-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Polymers.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Comments

  • j
  • 2019-09-23 15:01:30

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  • j
  • 2019-09-23 14:53:05

this website helped me very much thanks nanba


  • Deepak
  • 2019-08-14 19:14:56

the biodegradable polymer is ? Tell tell me ans.


  • BJ
  • 2019-07-08 19:55:11

Thanks Nanba


  • Pucho
  • 2019-02-20 17:46:04

Gopal


Comment(s) on this Question

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 20: What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.....