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Polymers, Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA

Biodegradability and Disposal of Polymers

  • 3 things to know
  • Papers 2 and 3

Overview

Why polyalkenes are inert, why condensation polymers hydrolyse, and the disposal options.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why are polyalkenes chemically inert?

Key term

What does it mean for polyalkenes to be non-biodegradable?

Key term

Why can polyesters be hydrolysed?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why are polyalkenes chemically inert?

    Model answer

    Polyalkenes contain only C-C and C-H bonds, which are non-polar and unreactive.

  2. 2

    What does it mean for polyalkenes to be non-biodegradable?

    Model answer

    Polyalkenes cannot be broken down by biological processes or microorganisms in the environment.

  3. 3

    Why can polyesters be hydrolysed?

    Model answer

    Polyesters contain ester linkages which can undergo hydrolysis reactions.

  4. 4

    Why can polyamides be hydrolysed?

    Model answer

    Polyamides contain amide/peptide linkages which can undergo hydrolysis reactions.

  5. 5

    Why can polyalkenes not be hydrolysed?

    Model answer

    Polyalkenes contain only non-polar C-C and C-H bonds with no functional groups susceptible to hydrolysis.

  6. 6

    What makes polyesters biodegradable?

    Model answer

    The ester linkages in polyesters can be hydrolysed by water, acids, alkalis or enzymes, breaking the polymer into smaller molecules.

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