Microorganisms destroy biodegradable polymers in an appropriate amount of time, ensuring that biodegradable polymers and their degraded products have a low environmental result. Enzyme-catalyzed processes shatter these polymers down into little segments, and microorganisms manufacture these enzymes.
Biodegradable Polymers: Examples
- Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV)
- Polylactic Acid (PLA)
- Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)
- Nylon-2-Nylon-6
Biodegradable Polymers: Properties
- Can maintain strong mechanical unification until they are degraded.
- Degradation, in general, starts at the end groups because biodegradable polymers have exceptionally strong carbon backbones that are difficult to crack.
- Non-toxic in nature.
- Degradation rates can be controlled.
- Lack of crystallinity, which inhibits access to end groups.
- Hydrophilic polymers.
Read More: Biopolymers