The synthesis of amylose block co‐and terpolymers is described. Fully acetylated amylose triacetate was hydrolyzed by hydronium ions to give a hydroxy‐terminated amylose triacetate oligomer (HATA), which was reacted with diisocyanates to produce block copolymers. Prepolymers of HATA and MDI or TDI were reacted with both hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene and polypropylene glycol to form block terpolymers. Block co‐ and terpolymer formation was demonstrated by intrinsic viscosity increases, gel permeation chromatographic results, and NMR and IR spectroscopy. The products were easily deacetylated by NaOMe in methanol to yield amylose block co‐ and terpolymers. These polymers were readily degraded by α‐amylase. The enzymatic hydrolysis was monitored by intrinsic viscosity measurements. The rate of biodegradation was influenced by the DS of the amylose block and the composition of the block terpolymers.

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Epoxidations with peracetic acid were effected on a series of alkyllithium and sodium polybutadienes, and the properties of the epoxy resins were compared. The alkyllithium and sodium polybutadienes differed in microstructure and molecular weight distribution. The alkyllithium polybutadienes were more readily epoxidized, and epoxidation resulted in dramatically lower viscosity increases with increasing epoxy contents. Epoxidized alkyllithium polybutadienes varying in molecular weight and epoxy content were shown to be compatible, efficient, and permanent plasticizer-stabilizers for polyvinyl chloride.