Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5202046 Polymer Degradation and Stability 2013 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

Copolyesteramides of 2-pyrrolidone with ε-caprolactone were synthesized by ring-opening copolymerization. The copolymers were random-like and their melting temperature and heat of fusion were dependent on the polymer composition. Biodegradation by a polyamide 4 (PA4) degrading microorganism showed rapid degradation in the region of amide-rich polymer composition. On the contrary, enzymatic hydrolysis using a lipase resulted in a different tendency, that is, ester-rich copolymers hydrolyzed rapidly. Activated sludge makes copolymers degrade to CO2 in wide polymer composition ratio. Copolyesteramides are expected to be applied as an environmentally-friendly plastics or bioabsorbable polymers in medical fields.

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemistry Organic Chemistry
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