In view of general awareness and concerns for accumulation of polymeric solid waste materials, certain biodegradable synthetic polymers have been developed. Which amongst the following are biodegradable synthetic polymers?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → PHBV
Most synthetic polymers resist environmental degradation, so their solid waste remains undegraded for a long time. Biodegradable synthetic polymers have been developed to solve this problem; aliphatic polyesters are an important class of them.
PHBV (poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-co-β-hydroxyvalerate) is such an aliphatic polyester; it is broken down by bacteria in the environment.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Novolac — Incorrect. A linear phenol–formaldehyde polymer (used in paints); on heating with more formaldehyde it gives bakelite. Not biodegradable.
Option (2) Neoprene — Incorrect. Polychloroprene, a synthetic rubber made from chloroprene (2-chlorobuta-1,3-diene). Not biodegradable.
Option (4) BUNA-S — Incorrect. A copolymer of buta-1,3-diene and styrene, used in tyres. Not biodegradable.
Note: This question is from the pre-rationalised NCERT book (2022-23). The topic is not there in the latest NCERT book (2026-27), and it is also out of the CUET 2026 syllabus.
NCERT (Pre-rationalised edition, 2022-23):
Biodegradable Polymers
