Question 15.20:

What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.


A polymer that can be decomposed by bacteria is called a biodegradable polymer. Poly-βhydroxybutyrate-CO-β- hydroxy valerate (PHBV) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester. 

O-CH-CH2-C-O-CH-CH2-C
         |                 ||            |                 ||
       CH3              O      CH2CH3          On