Polymers that undergo physical and chemical changes under aerobic and anaerobic conditions when exposed to microorganisms or enzymes are known as biodegradable polymers. This consists of two processes:
Enzymatic process - In this process, degradation occurs through the enzyme actions of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and fungi.
Non-Enzymatic process - In this process, degradation occurs through chemical hydrolysis that decomposes the chain of these polymers.
Examples ;
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxy valerate (PHBV)
Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
Polylactic acid (PLA)
Poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL)
Nylon-2-Nylon-6
Polymers which are not degraded or digested by the action of microorganisms are known as non-biodegradable polymers. They consists of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms with stronger interionic bonds between them. They are causing harm to the environment as their ability to remain intact over the years. Also, these polymers entered our food chains.
Examples;
Polypropylene(PP)
Synthetic rubber
Polyvinyl chloride(PVC)
Polyethylene(PE)
Polythene terephthalate(PET)
Polystyrene(PS)