Acid hydrolysis of a polyester forms:
Carboxylic acid + alcohol
Alkali hydrolysis of a polyester forms:
Salt of carboxylic acid + alcohol
Acid hydrolysis of a polyamide forms:
Carboxylic acid + salt of amine
Alkali hydrolysis of a polyamide forms:
Salt of carboxylic acid + amine
Advantages of biodegradable polymers
-takes less time or energy than most plastics to break down
-reduces waste adding to landfill
-no incineration required
-reduces pollution
-break down into non harmful products