Question:
Which of the following polymer is bio-degradable polymer:
Which of the following polymer is bio-degradable polymer:
Show Hint
To remember the common biodegradable polymers required for competitive exams, memorize the two major textbook examples: PHBV (a biodegradable polyester) and Nylon-2-nylon-6 (a biodegradable polyamide). Spotting either of these names in a multiple-choice list immediately highlights the correct answer!
Updated On: May 20, 2026
- Nylon 6,6
- Nylon-2-nylon-6
- Melamine polymer
- Nylon-6
Show Solution
Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Concept:
Polymers can be broadly classified based on their environmental degradation characteristics into two distinct groups:
• Non-Biodegradable Polymers: Synthetic polymers that are highly resistant to environmental degradation processes by microorganisms due to strong, stable carbon-carbon bonds. They accumulate as waste and contribute significantly to environmental pollution (e.g., Nylon 6,6, Nylon-6, Polyethylene, PVC, Melamine-formaldehyde resin).
• Biodegradable Polymers: Polymers that decompose naturally over time through biological processes mediated by microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, or algae). They contain functional groups (like ester or amide linkages) that are susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis, breaking down into non-toxic environmental updates over time.
Step 1: Analyzing Nylon-2-nylon-6 as a biodegradable copolymer.
Nylon-2-nylon-6 is an alternating polyamide copolymer. It is synthesized by the condensation polymerization of two different amino acid monomers:
• Glycine (\( \text{H}_2\text{N-CH}_2\text{-COOH} \)), which contains 2 carbon atoms.
• Amino caproic acid (\( \text{H}_2\text{N-(CH}_2)_5\text{-COOH} \)), which contains 6 carbon atoms. Because it contains peptide-like amide bonds with a specific alternating structural arrangement, microorganisms can break down its molecular chain via enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, it is a well-known biodegradable polymer.
Step 2: Evaluating the other options for environmental stability.
Let us briefly review the other synthetic options given:
• Nylon 6,6: Formed by the condensation of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. Its crystalline structure makes it incredibly tough and non-biodegradable.
• Melamine polymer: A highly cross-linked thermosetting resin formed by the condensation of melamine and formaldehyde, rendering it inert and highly non-biodegradable.
• Nylon-6: Formed by heating caprolactam. Like Nylon 6,6, it is a synthetic polyamide that resists microbial breakdown. Therefore, only Nylon-2-nylon-6 is a biodegradable option, corresponding to option (B).
• Non-Biodegradable Polymers: Synthetic polymers that are highly resistant to environmental degradation processes by microorganisms due to strong, stable carbon-carbon bonds. They accumulate as waste and contribute significantly to environmental pollution (e.g., Nylon 6,6, Nylon-6, Polyethylene, PVC, Melamine-formaldehyde resin).
• Biodegradable Polymers: Polymers that decompose naturally over time through biological processes mediated by microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, or algae). They contain functional groups (like ester or amide linkages) that are susceptible to enzymatic hydrolysis, breaking down into non-toxic environmental updates over time.
Step 1: Analyzing Nylon-2-nylon-6 as a biodegradable copolymer.
Nylon-2-nylon-6 is an alternating polyamide copolymer. It is synthesized by the condensation polymerization of two different amino acid monomers:
• Glycine (\( \text{H}_2\text{N-CH}_2\text{-COOH} \)), which contains 2 carbon atoms.
• Amino caproic acid (\( \text{H}_2\text{N-(CH}_2)_5\text{-COOH} \)), which contains 6 carbon atoms. Because it contains peptide-like amide bonds with a specific alternating structural arrangement, microorganisms can break down its molecular chain via enzymatic hydrolysis. Therefore, it is a well-known biodegradable polymer.
Step 2: Evaluating the other options for environmental stability.
Let us briefly review the other synthetic options given:
• Nylon 6,6: Formed by the condensation of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. Its crystalline structure makes it incredibly tough and non-biodegradable.
• Melamine polymer: A highly cross-linked thermosetting resin formed by the condensation of melamine and formaldehyde, rendering it inert and highly non-biodegradable.
• Nylon-6: Formed by heating caprolactam. Like Nylon 6,6, it is a synthetic polyamide that resists microbial breakdown. Therefore, only Nylon-2-nylon-6 is a biodegradable option, corresponding to option (B).
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Top AP EAPCET Chemistry Questions
- The four quantum numbers of the valence electron of potassium are :
- The volume of $0.02\, M$ acidified permanganate solution required for complete reaction of $60\, mL$ of $0.01\, MI^{-}$ ion solution to form $I_2$ in $mL$ is
- In which of the following the election gain enthalpy of elements is correctly arranged?
- The radii of $ \text{F,}{{\text{F}}^{-}}\text{O} $ and $ {{\text{O}}^{2-}} $ are in the order
- Which of the following has the highest first ionization potential?
View More Questions
Top AP EAPCET Polymer Chemistry Questions
- Poly dispersity index of a polymer is 1.25. If \( \overline{M_n} = 800 \), what is its \( \overline{M_w} \)?
- Zinc acetate – antimony trioxide catalyst is used in the preparation of which polymer?
- Consider the following
Statement-I: Natural rubber becomes soft at low temperature and brittle at high temperature.
Statement-II: Natural rubber has weak van der Waals forces between its polymer chains. - What are \( X \) and \( Y \) in the following reaction? $$ \text{nCl/CH}_2 \xrightarrow{X} Y $$
- Match the following
Top AP EAPCET Questions
- A body is projected from the ground at an angle of $\tan^{-1} \left( \frac{8}{7}\right)$ with the horizontal. The ratio of the maximum height attained by it to its range is
- The four quantum numbers of the valence electron of potassium are :
- A lens forms real and virtual images of an object, when the object is at $u_{1}$ and $u_{2}$ distances respectively. If the size of the virtual image is double that of the real image, then the focal length of the lens is (take, the magnification of the real image as $m$ )
- Two spheres $P$ and $Q$, each of mass $200\, g$ are attached to a string of length one metre as shown in the figure. The string and the spheres are then whirled in a horizontal circle about $O$ at a constant angular speed. The ratio of the tension in the string between $P$ and $Q$ to that of between $P$ and $O$ is $(P$ is at mid-point of the line joining $O$ and $Q$ )
- The volume of $0.02\, M$ acidified permanganate solution required for complete reaction of $60\, mL$ of $0.01\, MI^{-}$ ion solution to form $I_2$ in $mL$ is
View More Questions