Synthesis, structural study and hydrolytic degradation of copolymer based on glycolic acid and bis-2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate

The copolymer before and after degradation was characterized by means of different analytical techniques. 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm the incorporation of glycolide units in PET chains and to observe the structure and decomposition of the novel polyester. The thermal properties and morphology before and during the degradation were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis for determining melting points as well as melting and decomposition temperatures of investigated copolyester.