ABSTRACT
The biodegradability of polyurethanes has not previously been investigated in detail, but Darby et al. [1] have shown that polyester-based polyurethanes are susceptible to fungal attack. In this study, poly-D,L-lactic acid (PLA) polyurethane
compounds were synthesized, and the relationship between the biodegradability (rate of weight loss) of these polyurethanes and their polymer composition was investigated. The composition of polyurethane compounds before and after expo sure to fungal attack was also analyzed by proton NMR; furthermore, measurement of oxygen consumption during cultivation of fungi was carried out to determine which fractions of the polyurethane compounds were biodegraded to C 0 2. In addi tion, low molecular weight urethane compounds were synthesized and used to screen microorganisms capable of degrading urethane groups.
