ChemistryCode 9701
Degradable polymers
What this topic asks you to be able to do
- recognise that poly(alkenes) are chemically inert, which is why they may be hard to biodegrade
- recognise that a number of polymers may undergo degradation under the influence of light
- recognise that polyesters and polyamides are capable of biodegradation through hydrolysis under acidic and alkaline conditions