Biodegradation of Polyethylene Glycol-Based Polyether Urethanes

The biodegradation of polyethylene glycol (PEG of different molecular weights) based polyether urethanes were studied under soil burial condition for 180 days under indoor normal hydrothermal conditions and by cultured bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) for 30 days at 37 degrees C. The biodegradation was estimated from the weight loss, tensile strength, ultimate elongation and also by FTIR spectroscopy, optical, scanning electron microscopy. The weight loss and losses in tensile strength, elongation at break of the polymer is maximum in case of PUPEG(4000) and minimum in case of PUPEG(200) (both in case of soil burial condition and in cultured bacteria).