Synthesis, 1H‐NMR characterization, and biodegradation behavior of aliphatic–aromatic random copolyester

Aliphatic-aromatic copolyesters of poly(butylene adipate-co-butylene terephthalate) have been synthesized by polycondensation. Molecular weights and thermal properties have been measured. The four samples of copolyesters, with aromatic contents, varying from 40 to 60 mol %, were investigated by 1H-NMR spectroscopy to determine copolymers composition and microstructure. For all samples, the biodegradation experiment was carried out in compost, to study copolyesters degradation behavior. Using 1H-NMR, we noticed that the average sequence length and content of the aliphatic unit decrease and those of the aromatic unit increase. The molecular weights of the samples distinctly drop after composting. In all degraded samples, the trace of growing microorganisms was found on their surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. In combination with the results, the degradation behavior has been studied in the middle stage of copolyester degradation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2643–2649, 2007