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

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: . 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.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Simple and Compound Interest Formulas with Questions

Interest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more

Read More

Spoken English Course Topics for Beginners in 2026

In 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more

Read More

Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the most sought-after technologies in today’s digital era. Although these terms are often used together, they are not the same. Machine Learning is, in fact, a component of Artificial Intelligence that enables systems to learn and enhance on their own, without direct programming. AI is … Read more

Read More

Time, Speed and Distance Formulas

Time, Speed, and Distance are some of the most important concepts in mathematics and aptitude. These are the concepts which are used to calculate the speed of an object, time taken for an object to move and the distance traveled during the motion. Questions from this topic are frequently seen in School Tests, Competitive Tests, … Read more

Read More

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


Add Comment

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.....