Chemistry Multiple Choice Questions on “Biodegradable Polymers”.
1. Which of the following is a non-biodegradable polymer?
a) PHB
b) PGA
c) LDPE
d) PHBV
Answer: c
Clarification: Low density polyethylene is a plastic that cannot be decomposed by the abiotic sources and microorganisms and have a harmful effect on the environment.
2. Identify the biodegradable polymer from the following.
a) Polyvinyl chloride
b) Polypropylene
c) Polystyrene
d) Polylactic acid
Answer: d
Clarification: Polylactic acid (PLA) is one of the most common bioplastics which can be easily broken down by soil microorganisms and does not cause any negative effects on the environment. It is a polyester made from lactic acid and lactide.
3. What are the monomers of PHBV?
a) 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxypentanoic acid
b) 2-Hydroxybutanoic acid, 3-hydroxypentanoic acid
c) 3-Hydroxybutanoic acid, 2-hydroxypentanoic acid
d) 3-Hydroxybutanoic acid, 3-hydroxypentanoic acid
Answer: d
Clarification: PHBV is short for poly β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxy valerate. This shows that is a copolymer of β-hydroxybutyrate (3-hydroxybutanoic acid) and β-hydroxy valerate (3-hydroxypentanoic acid). PHBV is biodegradable as it can be decomposed by bacteria.
4. Nylon-2-nylon-6 is a biodegradable polymer.
a) True
b) False
Answer: a
Clarification: It is a polyamide copolymer of an amino acid NH2-CH2-COOH (glycine) and NH2-(CH2)5-COOH (amino caproic acid). The two monomer units alternate after each other. It is an important biodegradable copolymer.