Q.46. Identify biodegradable polymer from following.
A. Nylon 2-nylon 6
B. Terylene
C. Nylon 6
D. Nylon 6,6
Answer: A. Nylon 2 – nylon 6
Explanation :-
Biodegradable polymers are materials that can be broken down into their constituent parts, typically monomers, by the action of biological organisms, typically microbes. Among the options given, one stands out as a biodegradable polymer:
Option A: Nylon 2-nylon 6
Nylon 2-nylon 6, also known as poly(glycolide-co-caprolactam), is a copolymer consisting of two different monomers: glycolide (2) and caprolactam (6). Polymers created from monomers with a tendency to break down more easily in the presence of microorganisms can be biodegradable. Nylon 2-nylon 6 is designed to be biodegradable and is used in a variety of applications, including biomedical applications such as sutures and tissue engineering, where biodegradability is a beneficial property.
For reference, let’s look at the non-biodegradable options:
Option B: Terylene is another name for poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET, which is a synthetic polymer used widely in textiles and plastic bottle manufacturing. PET is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to biodegradation.
Option C: Nylon 6 is a synthetic polymer made from caprolactam, and while it does undergo some degradation over time, it is generally not considered biodegradable in the context of being broken down by microorganisms in the environment.
Option D: Nylon 6,6 is composed of hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid and is a strong and durable synthetic polymer that is used in various applications from fabrics to car parts. Like Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6 is not readily biodegradable.
Therefore, the biodegradable polymer in this list is Option A: Nylon 2-nylon 6.