Ultrasonic degradation of hydroxyethyl cellulose (I-IEC) in aqueous solutio
n was investigated. The degradation rate of this polymer was found to follo
w the Baramboim kinetic equation. Rate constants and the generating rates o
f radicals produced by ultrasonic irradiation were calculated, and the resu
lts showed their dependence on polymer concentration. Copolymers of methyl
methacrylate/HEC and acrylic acid/HEC were prepared by ultrasound-induced p
olymerization. Biodegradability of the resultant polymers was assessed thro
ugh enzymatic cellulase degradation tests. The two kinds of copolymers were
found to be susceptible to the cellulase degradation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Sc
ience Ltd. All rights reserved.