Preparation, characterization and degradation study of polyesteramide copolymers

Poly (ester-amide) s (PEA) were synthesized via a polycondensation reaction of 1, 3-phenylene bis (2-Oxazoline) carboxylic anhydride, and diol. The polymerization proceeds through the formation of a dicarboxy ester by reaction of two anhydride molecules with one diol molecule and subsequent 2-oxazoline ring opening by attack of the dicarboxy ester. The expected structures of the polymers were confirmed by FTIR and H-1-NMR. Thermal properties of the poly (ester amide) s were characterized by Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Thermogravimetric analysis (ATG). Hydrolytic and enzymatic degradations in solid media using Aspergilus Niger of the materials were performed. The biodegradation of polymers were also carried in liquid medium and the source of microorganisms is an inoculum based on activated sludge, by measuring the net biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) under the aerobic conditions. The biodegradation of polymers was observed by changing of BOD a long of 7 days.