The article will explain which of the given polymers is biodegradable. Elaborations and elucidations will also be put forward in the context of related environmental aspects such as recycling, composting, disposal methods, and greener alternatives.
Which among nylon-2-nylon-6,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, and buna-s is a biodegradable polymer?
The biodegradable polymer is nylon-2-nylon6 among nylon-2-nylon-6,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, and buna-s.
To develop a stance, let us first delve into the definition of biodegradation. Biodegradation is the breakdown that is caused by microbes and as a result, materials are converted into simpler materials that can return to nature again.
However, degradation is a simple breakdown by external conditions and the end results can not be assimilated back into nature.
When it comes to degradation, yes it is possible. Almost everything can degrade under the influence of external conditions.
However, biodegradation requires certain properties or prerequisites. These include
- The material should be natural
- Or, the material should be sourced from nature
- The material must be organic in nature
- The material should be degraded by microbes in 180 days or less
- The material should be eco-friendly
Therefore, based on this literature, it can be said that the biodegradable polymer is nylon-2-nylon6.
Nylon 2-Nylon 6 is a copolymer that is produced from the co-polymerisation of glycine and aminocaproic acid. Nylon 2-Nylon 6 is regarded as an exceptionality to conventional nylon because it is biodegradable.
This means that Nylon 2-Nylon 6 will cause fewer problems in comparison to other synthetic polymers which are not biodegradable and may persist for hundreds of years.
What about recycling?
One of the most common questions that are followed with biodegradability is the curiosity about whether polymers can be recycled or not. This is because recycling is the next best thing that can happen if biodegradation walks out of the room.
However, there is good news here. polymers are among the synthetic polymers that can be recycled. This means that there is a way to mitigate the negative effects that may be rendered by the use of polymers and this includes the recycling or reusing of polymers.
The next big question is how these polymers can be recycled or reused. As per the reusing, there are various domestic and personal DIY endeavours that one can resort to. The exact options will vary based on the subjective cases.
As regards recycling, you may either discard these polymers in recycling bins or contact the local curbside recycling endeavours. If your local recycling centres do not accept recycling, you can contact the third party or private ventures such as Earth911 or Terracycle.
The bottom line is to have the products made from polymers recycled so that the products do not end up in landfills or water bodies wherein they may cause pollution and degradation.
Which among nylon-2-nylon-6,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, and buna-s is natural?
When it comes to that, none of these is natural polymers. There are two main types of polymers that include natural polymers and synthetic polymers.
Natural polymers are the polymers that occur in nature whereas synthetic polymers do not occur in nature but are rather made in the labs at the expense of chemicals and non-renewable resources.
If we explore the cases of polymers such as buna-s or nylon-66, we will see that all these polymers do not exist in nature but rather are made in the labs and because of this, the polymers can not be said to be biodegradable or naturally sourced.
Which among nylon-2-nylon-6,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, and buna-s is compostable?
None among the given polymers can be added to the compost pile because
- The polymers are not sourced from nature
- There is no organic content
- The polymers may be hazardous to life and nature
Many people think that biodegradation and composting are identical things, however, in reality, there are some discrepancies between the two; however subtle they are.
The rule of thumb, however, is that when something is biodegradable, it also can be composted providing the fact that there are no negative effects rendered on life in any way.
The basic idea of composting is to increase the organic content of the soil so that there can be benefits that can be achieved such as water conservation, increased yield, better growth et cetera.
Therefore, composting can be done only with that waste that has organic content in it so that it can be converted into organic compost which can be used as a fertiliser.
Another advantage that is offered by composting is that the compost can be used as a natural fertiliser. This is not only good for your soil or field but also replaces synthetic and chemical-based fertilisers known to cause negative and detrimental impacts on the soil and associated life.
Is Nylon-2-Nylon-6 the best option?
No, although nylon-2-nylon-6 is biodegradable and this means that it will be much better as compared to the other polymers given. However, this does not mean that nylon-2 nylon-6 is the best option available.
Let us explore some green and eco-friendly initiatives that have been taken to curb the negative effects rendered by nylon-2-nylon-6
Recycled Nylon
Recycled nylon can be used by using nylon scrap to make a new fabric. As nylon persists in the environment for centuries, recycled nylon will cause less disposal of microplastics in landfills.
Also, nylon production requires huge amounts of crude oil and other oil-based products, the use of recycled nylon will also cause a reduction in the use of oil. Recycled nylon is not eco-friendly but it can reduce the environmental impacts on aquatic life and landfills.
Econyl
Econyl is one the most favourable recycled forms of nylon. It creates no impact on humans and on the environment. The manufacturers of econyl use waste material which is produced during manufacturing and post-consumption.
Bio-Nylon
Bio nylons can also be used as an alternative to nylon fabric. Its manufacturing does not involve crude oil or fossil fuels whereas microorganisms are involved in microplastic production. Bio nylons have reduced dependency on fossil fuels and crude oils.
Although they are not 100% environmentally friendly, it is a better option than pure nylon fabric. As virgin resources are involved but it does not have pre-consumer pollution. Its production does not involve fossil fuels or crude oil consumption that’s why it can be chosen as a nylon fabric alternative.
Conclusion
It is concluded that the biodegradable polymer is nylon-2-nylon6 among nylon-2-nylon-6,nylon-6, nylon-6,6, and buna-s.
The article also explained the recycling and composting aspects of the given polymers and also elucidated some greener substitutes and alternatives to rubbers and nylon available in the market.
References
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- Chavarria, F., & Paul, D. R. (2004). Comparison of nanocomposites based on nylon 6 and nylon 66. Polymer, 45(25), 8501-8515.
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- Synthetic Rubbers. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/synthetic-rubber