Synthesis and characterization of soy-based copolyamides with different alpha-amino acids

A series of soy-based copolyamides with different amino acid contents was s ynthesized by a condensation polymerization technique. The physical propert ies and enzymatic degradation properties were investigated. It was found th at the introduction of amino acids into this type of copolyamide does not e nhance the biodegradation ability but does improve the swelling properties of the copolyamides in water at a relative high pH and temperature. (C) 199 9 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.