Thermal and hydrolytic degradation behaviour of degradable poly(etheresteramide) copolymers based on ∊-caprolactone, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol)

A new kind of aliphatic polyetheresteramide copolymers (PEEAs) based on ∊-caprolactone, 11-aminoundecanoic acid, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were synthesized by melt polycondensation. The thermal and hydrolytic degradation behaviour of these copolymers was studied using FTIR, 1H-NMR, and TGA. PEG content, thickness of the test sample, and pH of degradation medium have great effect on degradation rate. The degradation rate increased with PEG content and pH, but decreased with thickness of the test sample. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]