The enzymatic degradation Of poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) was investigated using two different lipases, Novozym 435 and Lipolase. The optimum temperature was 50 degrees C for the enzymatic degradation of PLA. The effect of various solvents on the degradation of PLA was investigated at 50 degrees C using Novozyrn 435, and toluene was found to be the best solvent among the solvents investigated. The enzymatic degradation of the blends of PLA and PVAc was investigated at 50 degrees C in toluene. The enzymatic degradation of the blends of PLA and PVAc showed that there is an interaction between the polymers during degradation, which results in the reduction of degradation rate of both polymers in the blend. A continuous distribution model was used to determine the rate coefficients for polymer degradation. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.