Enzymatic Degradation of Melt-Spun Fibers from Poly(butylene succinate) Copolyesters with Terephthalic Acid

Abstract

Poly(butylene succinate) copolyesters with terephthalic acid (T) were melt-spun into monofilaments, subsequently were drawn with draw ratio of 2-6 times. The structure and properties of these drawn fibers were examined by wide angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The enzymatic degradation of these fibers was performed in a buffer solution with Rhizopus delemar lipase at 37°C and evaluated by weight loss, SEM observation and tensile strength retention. The copolyester with 17 mol % of T component (T-17) fiber drawn with draw ratio of 6 times at 40°C showed the much higher degradation rate than poly(butylene succinate) and the copolyester with 52 mol % of T component (T-52) fibers. Tensile strength of T-17 fiber was decreased appreciably at the initial stage of the enzymatic degradation. The degradation rate of T-17 fiber was remarkably decreased with increasing the draw ratio of the fibers due to the increase in crystallinity and the development of orientation in the amorphous region.