A Brief Review of Poly (Butylene Succinate) (PBS) and Its Main Copolymers: Synthesis, Blends, Composites, Biodegradability, and Applications

Abstract

PBS, an acronym for poly (butylene succinate), is an aliphatic polyester that is attracting increasing attention due to the possibility of bio-based production, as well as its balanced properties, enhanced processability, and excellent biodegradability. This brief review has the aim to provide the status concerning the synthesis, production, thermal, morphological and mechanical properties underlying biodegradation ability, and major applications of PBS and its principal copolymers.

Development of Blends to Improve Flexibility of Biodegradable Polymers

“…The morphology was additionally studied by solving the minor phase to observe the holes left by PBS in the matrix of PLA, PHA and TPS. 2-methyl-sulfoxide was used as the solvent of PBS; the samples were immersed in it for 20 min and subsequently dried for 60 min [ 28 , 29 , 30 ]. Then, morphology was observed using a SCIOS 2 FIB-SEM electronic microscope with an electron acceleration voltage of 3 kV.…”

Polybutylene succinate, a potential bio-degradable polymer: synthesis, copolymerization and bio-degradation

“…Conversely, the direct synthesis of BDO through the fermentation of sugars, by using engineered E. coli , has also been reported in the literature. 15 The synthesis of both SA and BDO from biomass feedstocks appears to be particularly interesting, as it gives access to the production of fully bio-based PBS (Scheme 1). 16…”

Progress in the Degradability of Biodegradable Film Materials for Packaging

“…Poly (butylene succinate) (PBS or PBSu), an aliphatic polyester, can be contained in petrochemical-based biodegradable polymers [ 118 , 119 ], but the important novelty is that PBS can be produced from renewable resources such as sugarcane, cassava and corn [ 120 , 121 ]. PBS has similar properties to PE, so it is often compared to PE and appears as a biodegradable alternative [ 122 ].…”