What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Polymers, Polymers NCERT Solutions

Previous / historical NCERT chapter

This chapter belongs to a previous NCERT/CBSE curriculum and is not part of the current 2026-27 chapter list. Removed in 2022-23.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Polymers. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 20:

What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 20:

What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.

Answer:

A polymer that can be decomposed by bacteria is called a biodegradable polymer.

The biodegradable polymer are the polymers which are degraded by the micro-organism within a suitable period so that biodegradable polymers and their degraded products do not cause any serious effects on the environment. They degrade by enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation. The decomposition reactions involves hydrolysis (either enzymatically induced or by non –enzymatic mechanism) to non- toxic small molecules which can be metabolized or excreted from the body.

The common examples of aliphatic biodegradable polymers are polyglycolic acid(PGA), Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB), Polyhydroxy butyrates-co-beta hydroxyl valerate( PHBV), Polycaprolactone(pcl), Nylon-2-nylon-6.

These polymers are used mainly for medical goods such as surgical sutures, tissues in growth materials, for controlled drug release, plasma substitutes etc. They are also used in agriculture materials, such as films, seed coatings, fast food wrappers, personal hygiene products etc.

Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-CO-β-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Polymers.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • j
  • Sep 23, 2019

this website helped me very much thanks nanba


  • j
  • Sep 23, 2019

this website helped me very much thanks nanba


  • Deepak
  • Aug 14, 2019

the biodegradable polymer is ? Tell tell me ans.


  • BJ
  • Jul 08, 2019

Thanks Nanba


  • Pucho
  • Feb 20, 2019

Gopal


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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 20: What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.....

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