- Biodegradable polymers are a specific type of polymer that breaks down after its intended purpose to result in natural byproducts such as gases (CO₂, N₂), water, biomass, and inorganic salts.
- These polymers are found both naturally and synthetically made, and largely consist of ester, amide, and ether functional groups.
- Their properties and breakdown mechanism are determined by their exact structure.
- These polymers are often synthesized by condensation reactions, ring opening polymerization, and metal catalysts.
- Aliphatic polyesters are one of the important classes of biodegradable polymers.
1. Poly β -
hydroxylbutyrate - co - β -
hydroxyl valerate (PHBV): It
is obtained by the copolymerization of 3 - hydroxybutanoic acid and 3 - hydroxypentanoic acid.
Uses: It is used in speciality packaging, orthopaedic devices and in controlled release of drugs.
PHBV undergoes bacterial degradation in the environment.
2. Nylon 2 - Nylon 6: It is a polyamide copolymer of glycine (H₂N - CH₂ - COOH) and amino caproic acid (H₂N (CH₂)₅ COOH) and is biodegradable.
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