Biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers

Polymers are widely used in our daily lives today, and there are many different types. Many polymers, on the other hand, are extremely resistant to degradation and are therefore involved in the accumulation of polymer solid waste. Eventually, as these solid wastes continue to accumulate, they pose a serious threat to the environment and can remain undecomposed for an extended period of time. As the use of polymers grows, so does the amount of waste generated by these products, which poses serious problems for the environment. Plastics are made from non-biodegradable polymers, and plastics are the most commonly used non-biodegradable polymers in the world.

Scientists discovered biodegradable polymers as a result of these difficulties. Biodegradable polymers, such as aliphatic polyesters, are easily degraded by microorganisms, resulting in less waste accumulation and less harm and pollution to the environment. Aliphatic polyesters are among the most easily degraded polymers.

Biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable Polymers are a type of polymer that degrades over time.

These are the polymers that decompose readily in nature, both aerobically and anaerobically, and are known as biodegradable polymers. It is possible to place biodegradable polymers in a biologically active environment, which allows them to be degraded by the enzymatic actions of microorganisms such as fungi, algae, and bacteria. It is also possible to break down the chain of biodegradable polymers through non-enzymatic processes such as chemical hydrolysis.

Examples of Biodegradable polymers 

1)The compound poly-hydroxybutyrate – co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV)

It is created by combining 3-hydroxybutanoic acid and 3-hydroxypentanoic acid, and the monomer units are linked together by ester bonds to form the final product. It decomposes into carbon dioxide and water when exposed to air. As a result of its brittle nature, it can be used to manufacture medicines and bottles, orthopaedic devices, packing material, and other items.

2)Polyglycolic acid (PGA)

In the process of chain polymerization of cyclic dimers of glycolic acid, Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is produced. It is the most basic linear aliphatic polymer, and it is used in drug delivery, orthopaedic operations such as screws and nails, and other similar applications.

3)Nylon-2-Nylon-6

Nylon-2 Nylon-6 is an alternating polyamide copolymer made from glycine and aminocaproic acid that is used in the production of toothbrush bristles and stringed musical instrument strings, among other applications.

Non biodegradable polymers

Items that are not biodegradable include hazardous plastics, aluminium cans and bottles, scrap metal, foam styrol (styrene), tyres, paint, and a variety of chemicals. These objects are not affected by natural processes and cannot be disassembled or degraded even after thousands of years in the presence of the elements. In addition to being highly toxic to the environment, they contribute significantly to solid waste, which is detrimental to human health.

Examples of Non-biodegradable polymers 

1)Polyethene

They are classified into three categories: linear high-density polyethene (HDPE), branched low-density polyethene (LDPE), and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)

They have a high strength and density, and are therefore used almost universally.

2)Teflon

Teflon, also known as tetrafluoroethylene, is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene that is less reactive than tetrafluoroethylene and is therefore used in cooking wares, wiring in aerospace, and other applications.

Difference between Biodegradable polymers and non-biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable Polymers are a type of polymer that degrades over time.

Natural degradation is not resistant to biodegradable materials, which means that they decompose quickly in the environment and do not generate any waste material as a result. Furthermore, the small chains in these polymers allow them to break naturally in a short period of time. The chains are cleaved either by hydrolysis or by enzyme action, resulting in the degradation of the products. This type of capability is most commonly required in biomedical applications, where the degradation of the polymer is required to ensure that it is cleared from the body while also eliminating the need for subsequent retrieval.

Polymers that are not biodegradable

We have tonnes of waste products floating in the ocean and dumped on land, which has become one of the most serious issues in recent years when it comes to these polymers, as we have seen in the past. Polyethene and polypropylene are examples of polymers that are designed to be long-lasting. This means that these polymers are difficult to decompose and that they contribute to the strength and durability of the products in which they are employed. 

Materials used to create biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers

Plastics that can naturally decompose in the environment are the solution to our pollution woes, according to scientists. In addition to biodegradable polymers, there are several different types, each of which can be classified into different properties based on their chemical composition, source, and method of synthesis. The majority of biodegradable materials are derived from plants, such as soybeans or corn. 

Non-biodegradable polymers, on the other hand, are made from different types of polyethylene, polypropylene, and other similar materials. Plastics have different properties depending on how these polymers react with the other chemicals. For example, clarity, strength, stiffness and other characteristics are all provided by these polymers.

Different Types of Biodegradable Polymers

There are three different types of biodegradable polymers. Some of them are synthetically derived, while others can be found in abundance in nature. Following are some examples of biodegradable polymers, each of which is described in greater detail. There are also polymers that are edible.

1)Natural Biodegradable Polymers are a type of polymer that is biodegradable in nature.

Their raw materials or renewable resources are derived from nature and include starch, cellulose, and lignin, to name a few examples. Additionally, proteins such as gelatin, casein, wool, and silk can be used to create these polymers.

2)PHA polymers are members of the polymer family.

Several genetically modified bacteria, including hydroxybutyrate, hydroxy valerate, polyhydroxy hexanoate, and hydroxy alkanoates, are used to produce these polymers.

3)Synthetic biodegradable polymers are a type of synthetic polymer that is biodegradable.

Chemical polymerization occurs when bio-based monomers such as PLA, polycaprolactone, polybutylene succinate, and polybutylene succinate adipate are combined to form synthetic biodegradable polymers at the end of the chemical reaction. They are not found in nature, but because they decompose and break down, they can be easily dumped in the environment after the reaction is complete.

Conclusion

Polymers are macromolecules that are made up of repeated subunits, known as monomers, that are linked together. Depending on their origin, polymers can be either synthetic or natural. Biodegradable Polymers are a type of polymer that degrades over time.

These are the polymers that decompose readily in nature, both aerobically and anaerobically, and are known as biodegradable polymers.Items that are not biodegradable include hazardous plastics, aluminium cans and bottles, scrap metal, foam styrol (styrene), tyres, paint, and a variety of chemicals.Natural Biodegradable Polymers are a type of polymer that is biodegradable in nature.Synthetic biodegradable polymers are a type of synthetic polymer that is biodegradable