3.3.12.3 Biodegradability and Disposal of Polymers

• Biodegradability refers to the ability of a material to be broken down by natural biological processes
• Proteins, cellulose, and starch are examples of natural polymers.


  True
• What is an example of a synthetic polymer created from petrochemicals?

  Polyethylene
• Which type of polymer is generally used in food and medicine applications?

  Natural polymers
• Natural polymers are produced by living organisms
• Natural polymers include proteins, cellulose, and starch.


  True
• Recycling polymers reduces waste and conserves resources
• Natural polymers include proteins, cellulose, and starch
• What is the source of synthetic polymers?

  Petrochemicals
• Match the polymer type with its common application:

  Natural Polymers ↔️ Textiles

  Synthetic Polymers ↔️ Fibers

  Both ↔️ Coatings
• Amorphous regions in a polymer are more susceptible to biodegradation than highly crystalline
• Match the innovative recycling method with its characteristic:

  Chemical Recycling ↔️ Recycles mixed plastics

  Enzymatic Degradation ↔️ Environmentally friendly

  Thermal Degradation ↔️ Produces valuable gases

  Photodegradation ↔️ Requires specific light conditions
• Biodegradable polymers are broken down by microorganisms.


  True
• What are two examples of natural polymers produced by living organisms?

  Wool and silk
• Match the property with the correct polymer type:

  Produced by living organisms ↔️ Natural Polymers

  Artificially created ↔️ Synthetic Polymers
• Steps in the breakdown of biodegradable polymers

  1️⃣ Microorganisms break down the polymer

  2️⃣ Polymer structure is altered

  3️⃣ Simpler compounds are released
• What is an example of a synthetic polymer used in coatings?

  Teflon
• Match the type of polymer with its characteristic:

  Natural Polymers ↔️ Generally biodegradable

  Synthetic Polymers ↔️ Often non-biodegradable
• Match the type of polymer with its environmental impact:

  Biodegradable Polymers ↔️ Low environmental impact

  Non-Biodegradable Polymers ↔️ High environmental impact
• Natural polymers are produced by living organisms such as plants and animals.


  True
• Examples of synthetic polymers include polyethylene, nylon, and Teflon
• Which type of chemical structure is more biodegradable: linear or branched?

  Linear
• What is the main disadvantage of using landfills for polymer disposal?

  Requires large land areas
• Non-biodegradable polymers contribute to plastic pollution
• Synthetic polymers are created artificially in a laboratory or factory
• Synthetic polymers are often non-biodegradable
• Non-biodegradable polymers can be composted naturally.

  False
• Synthetic polymers are artificially created in a laboratory or factory
• Arrange the factors affecting polymer biodegradability in order from most to least influence:

  1️⃣ Chemical structure

  2️⃣ Molecular weight

  3️⃣ Crystallinity

  4️⃣ Presence of functional groups
• Into how many main types can polymers be classified?

  Two
• Match the natural polymer with its example:

  Protein ↔️ Wool

  DNA ↔️ Genetic material

  Polysaccharide ↔️ Starch

  Lipid ↔️ Natural rubber
• Natural polymers are generally biodegradable, while synthetic polymers are often non-biodegradable.


  True
• Polymers with lower molecular weights are easier for microorganisms to break down.

  True
• Order the polymer disposal methods from highest to lowest environmental impact:

  1️⃣ Landfill

  2️⃣ Incineration

  3️⃣ Recycling

  4️⃣ Composting