Abstract
A series of random polyesteramides (PEAs) within a range of molar composition from 90/10 to 10/90 were synthesized by a direct melt polycondensation of lactic acid and -alanine. Their structures were fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy. The resulting copolymers are amorphous; they are thermally stable to temperatures up to 254 degrees C, and present increasing glass transition temperatures at increasing amide content. The copolymers were also characterized by FTIR and viscosimetry measurements.