Biodegradable polymers: photolysis and fungal degradation of poly(arylene keto esters) [Uses in the agricultural field, waste control]

Poly(keto esters) were prepared from 4,4′‐bis(chloroacetyl) diphenyl ether, 4,4′‐bis(bromoacetyl)diphenyl ether, and 4,4′‐bis(2‐bromopropionyl)‐diphenyl ether and aliphatic diacids of 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12 carbon atoms. Low‐molecular‐weight polymers were found to support the growth of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Introduction of methyl group to the polymer chain decreased the susceptibility of the polymers to fungal attack. Although monomeric model compounds were found to undergo photodegradation the poly(keto esters) underwent mostly crosslinking when irradiated with UV light.