Synthesis and enzymatic degradation of poly(tetramethylene succinate) copolymers with terephthalic acid

Poly(tetramethylene succinate/terephthalate) copolymers were prepared by me lt polycondensation of succinic acid (4) and dimethyl terephthalate (T) wit h 1,4-butanediol (4G). The structure and physical properties of these copol ymers were characterized by H-1 NMR, solution viscosity, differential scann ing calorimeter and tensile test. The enzymatic degradation was performed i n a buffer solution with Rhizopus delemar lipase at 37 degrees C. The highe st degradation rate was observed for T-17 film due to the depressed crystal linity. T-17 film uniaxially drawn with draw ratio of three times showed th e larger tensile strength as well as the much faster degradation rate compa red with 4G4 film. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.