Impact of the structure of poly(ε-caprolactam) containing polyesteramides on mechanical properties and biodegradation

Abstract Polyesteramides (PESA) consisting of poly(e-caprolactam) (PCLA) and aliphatic polyester oligomers, used as macroactivators (MA), were synthesized by anionic polymerization. Two new families of poly(e-caprolactam-co-e-caprolactone) and poly(e-caprolactam-co-δ-valerolactone) copolymers were prepared in which content and molecular weight (550, 1250, 2000, 3000, 3200 g.mol −1 ) of the MA was changed. The major aim was to report on the impact of the composition of the PESA on the structure, morphology and properties of native PCLA. In this purpose, the PESA was analyzed by IR spectroscopy, wide angle X-ray scattering, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and mechanical testing. Enzymatic biodegradation of the PESA is another key issue that was also investigated. The best conditions for this degradation process to occur were defined, and the impact of the enzymatic attack on the physico-chemical properties was studied by weight loss, IR and DSC.