Biodegradability & Disposal of Polymers (AQA A Level Chemistry)

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Biodegradability

Biodegradable polymers

  • Both polyesters and polyamides can be broken down using hydrolysis reactions
  • This is a major advantage over the polymers produced using alkene monomers (polyalkenes)
  • When polyesters and polyamides are taken to landfill sites, they can be broken down easily and their products used for other applications

Hydrolysis of polyesters and polyamides

  • Simple esters and amides can be hydrolysed by reaction with either aqueous acids or bases into carboxylic acids and alcohols (in the case of esters) or amines (in the case of amides)
  • Condensation polymers are linked by ester or amide linkages and so can undergo hydrolysis
    • Under the action of acid catalysts or biological enzymes the amide and ester links in polyamides and polyesters can be hydrolysed into smaller fragments

  • Polyalkenes are inert and non biodegradable as a result of the C-C bonds between the monomers in addition polymers

Examiner Tip

The conditions present in different environments can influence the rate of hydrolysis and therefore the rate of biodegradation. Be mindful that some environments may have a different moisture content, oxygen levels, bacterial content and access to UV light. All of which can influence the rate of hydrolysis of biodegradable polymers.

Disposal of Polymers

Disposal of Polymers

Table of different disposal methods for polymers

Disposal of polymers table, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

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Stewart

Author: Stewart

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Stewart has been an enthusiastic GCSE, IGCSE, A Level and IB teacher for more than 30 years in the UK as well as overseas, and has also been an examiner for IB and A Level. As a long-standing Head of Science, Stewart brings a wealth of experience to creating Exam Questions and revision materials for Save My Exams. Stewart specialises in Chemistry, but has also taught Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies.