BRAINCAKEBiodegradability of Polymers
A biodegradable polymer is one that can be broken down in the environment, for example by microorganisms, into smaller molecules.
Polyalkenes such as poly(ethene) and poly(propene) contain only strong, non-polar C-C and C-H bonds. They are chemically inert: nothing in the environment attacks these bonds easily, so polyalkenes are non-biodegradable and can last for hundreds of years in landfill or in the sea.
Polyesters and polyamides are different. Their ester and amide links contain a polar C=O group with a δ+ carbon atom, which can be attacked by nucleophiles such as water. The links can therefore be broken by hydrolysis, so these polymers are biodegradable, although the process may still be slow.
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More in Condensation Polymers
- Condensation Polymers
- Polyesters
- Polyamides
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- Drawing Repeat Units
- Hydrogen Bonding between Polymer Chains
- Disposal and Recycling of Polymers
All 8 lessons in Condensation Polymers · All AQA A-level Chemistry topics