Abstract: Linear poly(ester amide)(PEA) with ester segment mass content of 81% was synthesized from ε-caprolactone and 6-aminocaproic acid by ringopening polymerization and melt polycondensation, which was a kind of biodegradable copolymer with excellent thermal stability and great mechanical properties. Biodegradable polyblends of PEA with poly(propylene carbonate)(PPC) were prepared by melt blending. The effect of PEA content on miscibility, thermal properties and mechanical properties of the blends was investigated. PEA was found to be miscible with PPC and the thermal stability of the blend was significantly improved compared with pure PPC. When the mass ratio of PEA was 3% mass fraction, the temperatures of 5% mass loss(T-5%) and maximum mass loss rate(Tmax) were improved by 52.7% and 46.4%, respectively. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the corresponding blends were improved most remarkably, reinforcing and toughening of PPC were achieved simultaneously.

Key words: Poly(propylene carbonate), linear poly(ester amide), blend, thermal property, reinforcing, toughening