Abstract
Biodegradability of poly (ε-caprolactone-co-ε-caprolactam) s and poly (ε-caprolactone-co-ω-laurolactam)s was evaluated by enzymatic hydrolysis test, activated sludge test and sea-water test. The enzymes used for hydrolysis test were lipases from Rhizopus arrhizus, Rhizopus delemar, Candida cylindracea and Pseudomonas Fluorecence. The activated sludge test was conducted mainly by a modified ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) method. The biodegradability was evaluated with the amount of evoluved CO2. The results were similar to those by JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) method based on BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand). The sea-water test carried out in a marine environment, at Kushimoto bay. Most of copolyesteramides were completely degraded for 3 months. The poly (ε-caprolactone-co-ε-caprolactam)s were degraded by the enzymatic hydrolysis test, the activated sludge test and the sea-water test. On the contrary, the poly (ε-caprolactone-co-ω-laurolactam)s were degraded by activated sludge test and sea-water test, however the enzymatic hydrolysis test showed negative results.
