The hydrolytic and fungal degradability of a set of polyamides made from D and L-tartaric acids and 1,6-hexanediamine was investigated as a function of the enantiomeric composition of the polymers. Optically pure enantiomorphs (100% D and 100% L) as well as a series of stereocopolymers with D:L ratios varying from 1:9 to 1:1 were examined. Hygroscopicity of these polyamides was found to increase from 8 to 25% when the D:L ratio changed from 0 to 1. Degradation in water under physiological conditions (pH 7.3 and 37 degrees C) took place slowly and also increased with the D:I ratio of the stereocopolymer. Weight loss between 10 and 30% and decays in the molecular weight down to nearly 50% were observed after 2 months of incubation. Degradation by Aspergillus niger was tested on cast films in the presence of Sabouraud＇s dextrose broth medium. Fungal attack was evaluated by mycelial coverage and invasion based on standards. Extensive surface growing and a considerable pervading of the bulk material by the fungi was observed for stereocopolyamides with D:L ratios 1:4 and 1:1. On the contrary, the microorganism appeared to be completely inactive in cultures of either of the two optically purl polymers. These results indicated that the dominant factor determining the biodegradability of poly(tartaramide)s is water affinity rather than the configurational nature of the polyamide. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.