Question

Which of the following is biodegradable polymer of polyamide class? (a) dextran (b) Nylon-2-Nylon-6 (c) Nylon-6, 6 (d) PHBV

Short answer

Nylon-2-Nylon-6 is the biodegradable polymer of the polyamide class.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Biodegradable Polymers

Biodegradable polymers are those that can be broken down by microbes into water, carbon dioxide (or methane), and biomass. These polymers are environmentally friendly because they can decompose naturally.

Identifying Polyamide Class

Polyamides are polymers where monomers are linked via amide bonds. This includes well-known materials like nylons. We need to identify which options belong to the polyamide class.

Option Analysis: dextran

Dextran is not a polyamide; it is a polysaccharide. Thus, it is not applicable to the polyamide class of biodegradable polymers.

Option Analysis: Nylon-2-Nylon-6

Nylon-2-Nylon-6 is a polymer within the polyamide class because it contains amide linkages. It is specifically known to be biodegradable due to its molecular structure, which allows breakdown by microorganisms.

Option Analysis: Nylon-6, 6

Nylon-6, 6 is a polyamide commonly used in textiles and plastics. However, it is not biodegradable due to its stable structure and resistance to microbial activity.

Option Analysis: PHBV

PHBV (Polyhydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) is a biodegradable polymer but not part of the polyamide class. It is categorized under polyhydroxyalkanoates, not polyamides.

Key concepts

Polyamides

Polyamides are a fascinating class of polymers made by linking monomers through amide bonds. These bonds form the structure of many materials, including nylon, a well-known type of polyamide. The process of forming polyamides involves combining monomers with amine and carboxylic acid groups. This results in a chain of repeating units that create strong and heat-resistant materials.

Polyamides are versatile and have a wide range of applications due to their durability. They are used in everything from clothing and carpets to automotive components. This versatility comes from the ability to adjust the length and types of monomers involved, altering the properties of the resulting polyamide.

In the context of biodegradable polymers, specific polyamides, like Nylon-2-Nylon-6, can break down naturally in the environment. The structure of this type of polyamide allows microorganisms to interact with and degrade it, which is environmentally beneficial. However, not all polyamides, such as Nylon-6, 6, share this property, highlighting the importance of chemical structure in biodegradability.

Enzymatic Degradation

Enzymatic degradation is a natural process where enzymes break down polymers into simpler substances. Enzymes are special proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, making them crucial in the degradation process of biodegradable polymers.

For polyamides to be biodegradable, like in the case of Nylon-2-Nylon-6, the polymer must be susceptible to enzymatic activity. Microorganisms secrete enzymes that can cleave the amide bonds in this polymer, transforming it into non-toxic by-products like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass.

This degradation is not only essential for reducing environmental waste but also for creating sustainable materials that have minimal ecological impact. The design of polymers that are more amenable to enzymatic degradation involves considering factors like the polymer's flexibility, molecular structure, and the presence of specific chemical groups that enzymes can target.

Environmental Chemistry

Environmental chemistry plays an essential role in understanding how substances interact with the environment, focusing on the chemical phenomena and compounds within natural processes. This field examines issues like pollution, waste management, and the chemical mechanisms underlying biodegradation.

In this context, the study of biodegradable plastics and polymers is integral to developing eco-friendly solutions. By leveraging knowledge from environmental chemistry, scientists can create polymers like biodegradable polyamides that contribute to less pollution. These polymers are designed to decompose under natural conditions, aided by environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of microorganisms.

Awareness of environmental chemistry principles enables better management of synthetic materials' life cycles, from their creation and usage to disposal. The ultimate goal is not only to reduce the environmental footprint but also to maintain the ecosystem's health by minimizing persistent pollutants.