Synthesis, characterization and biodegradation test of nylon 2/6 and nylon 2/6/6

Abstract

Initial results obtained from the characterization and biodegradation tests on poly(6-glycylaminohexanoic acid)(nylon 2/6) and poly[N-(6-glycylaminohexyl)adipamic acid](nylon 2/6/6) are presented. Nylon 2/6 was synthesized via a condensation reaction and nylon 2/6/6 by interfacial polymerization. Their intrinsic viscosities were 0.03 and 0.09 dm³ g^–1, respectively. Thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction methods were applied to characterize these two nylons. The biodegradation of nylon 2/6 and nylon 2/6/6 films was observed by using a qualitatively fast screening test, which showed that nylon 2/6/6 is more readily degradable than nylon 2/6 under attack by fungi.