Poly(ester amide)s derived from 1,4-butanediol, adipic acid and 6-aminohexanoic acid: Part III: substitution of adipic acid units by terephthalic acid units

BAK poly(ester amide)s with different adipic acid/terephthalic acid ratios have been synthesized and characterized considering spectroscopic data and both thermal and mechanical properties. Degradability under different media (water at 70 °C, acid or enzymatic catalysis) has also been studied by evaluating the changes in intrinsic viscosity, in the NMR spectra and in the surface texture of samples. The results indicate a decrease in the degradation ratio and an increase in chain stiffness as the content on the terephthalic units increases. Thermoenzymes such as Bacillus stearothermophilus are highly effective for the degradation of aromatic derivatives. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]