Sequential poly(ester amide)s based on glycine, diols, and dicarboxylic acids:: Thermal polyesterification versus interfacial polyamidation.: Characterization of polymers containing stiff units

Sequential poly(ester amide)s derived from glycine were synthesized by a two-step method, involving a final thermal polyesterification. Molecular weights were in general higher than those obtained with the previously reported synthesis on the basis of interfacial polyamidation. Polymers with stiff units like oxaloyl or terephthaloyl residues were thermally characterized and their degradability studied by using different types of enzymes. Polymers containing short diols are degradable in papain solutions, the degradation rate being higher for oxalic derivatives. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.