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The increasing environmental pollution resulting from plastic waste and the need to reuse agro-industrial wastes as a source of discarding has led to the development of innovative biobased products. In the frame of this context, the use of neat polylactic acid (PLA) and its blend with polybutylene succinate (PBS) with or without cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from hemp fibers is explored here. This study aimed to assess the biogas production of different biopolymeric films. In parallel, life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis was performed on the same films, focusing on their production phase and potential end-of-life scenarios, regardless of film durability (i.e., single-use packaging) and barrier performance, to counteract possible soil health threats. Specifically, this study considered three specific systems: PLA, PLA_PBS (PLA/PBS blend 80:20 w/w), and PLA_PBS_3CNC (PLA/PBS blend + 3% CNCs) films. The assessment involved a batch anaerobic digestion (AD) process at 52 °C, using digestate obtained from the anaerobic treatment of municipal waste as the inoculum and cellulose as a reference material. The AD process was monitored over about 30 days, revealing that reactors containing cellulose showed inherent biodegradability and enhanced biogas production. On the other hand, biopolymeric films based on PLA and its blends with PBS and CNCs exhibited an inhibitory effect, likely due to their recalcitrant nature, which can limit or delay microbial activity toward biomass degradation and methanogenesis. LCA analysis was performed taking into consideration the complex environmental implications of both including biopolymers in the production of renewable energy and the use of post-composting digestate as an organic fertilizer. Remarkably, the PLA_PBS_3CNC formulation revealed slightly superior performance in terms of biodegradability and biogas production, mainly correlated to the presence of CNCs in the blend. The observed enhanced biodegradability and biogas yield, coupled with the reduced environmental impact, confirm the key role of optimized biopolymeric formulations in mitigating inhibitory effects on AD processes while maximizing, at the same time, the utilization of naturally derived energy sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of poly (butylene succinate-co-ethylene 2, 2'-bisthiazole-4, 4'-dicarboxylate) (PBEBS) were synthesized by melt polycondensation using 1, 4-butanedioic acid (SA), 1, 4-butanediol (BDO) and diethyl 2, 2'-bisthiazole-4, 4'-dicarboxylate (BTDC-Et) as raw materials. In order to further understand its structure and properties, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and gas barrier tester were used for detailed characterization. The experimental results showed that when the feed molar ratio of SA∶BDO∶BTDC-Et was 1∶2. 5∶0. 1, the number average molecular mass of PBEBS reached 41000 and the material changed from brittle to ductile plastic. At the same time, compared with polybutylene succinate (PBS), the carbon dioxide gas barrier performance is improved by 80 times. In addition, the thermal stability of PBEBS copolyesters increased with the increase of BTDC-Et feed ratio, and the decomposition temperature Td, 5% increased from 295 to 346 ℃. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biobased polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) break down naturally under certain environmental conditions. The efficiency of degradation can be linked directly to fiber surface properties, which influence polymer accessibility. Here, the degradation of PLA and PBS fibers with six different cross-sections was investigated. The fibers were aged by hydrolysis and UV exposure in an accelerated weathering test, followed by an ISO 20200 laboratory-scale disintegration test with non-aged fibers as controls. The polymers were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography, comparing the polymer granulate, virgin fibers, and UV-exposed fibers. It was found that the molecular mass and crystallinity of PBS changed more than PLA during spinning. Several PLA samples were completely degraded, whereas all the PBS samples remained intact. Furthermore, surface openings appeared on the PLA fibers during weathering, suggesting greater sensitivity to UV exposure and hydrolysis than PBS. A clear correlation between the fiber surface area and the degradation rate was observed for all samples, but the correlation was positive for PLA and negative for PBS. The slower degradation of PBS fibers with a larger surface area may reflect the ability of PBS to preserve itself by further crystallization during degradation processes at temperatures higher than the glass transition point. The data clearly show that the analysis of single degradation mechanisms is insufficient to predict the behavior of material under real-world conditions, where different degradation mechanisms may work in parallel or consecutively, and may show interdependencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a degradable polymer material, polybutylene succinate (PBS) has the disadvantages of high cost, slow crystallization rate, and low strength modulus. Reinforcing modification with plant fibers is a popular method. A unique three-dimensional network structure was found in luffa fiber (LF). Compared to other plant fibers, this fiber has excellent mechanical strength due to its unique three-dimensional structure. Its structure allows it to maintain the integrity of the reinforcement phase in the polymer aggregate, overcoming the dispersion and defects of short fiber reinforcement. Herein, the LF was treated with alkali treatment and silanated with three coupling agents and pre-impregnation methods to improve interfacial properties with the PBS matrix. Then it was laminated with polybutylene succinate to prepare a PBS/LF composite board with three layers of LF. The performance of the composite material using the KH550 coupling agent was improved the most. The tensile strength and modulus of the material were increased by 24.9% and 82.9%, respectively, the flexural strength and modulus were increased by 21.7% and 18.5%, and the impact strength was increased by 12.5%. The water absorption weight gain rate is also the lowest, about 3.5%. For the LF-reinforced PBS, the preparation method is simple, and the reinforcement effect is better, that the cost was effectively reduced, and the application field of the PBS green material was expanded. A new possibility for the development of green degradable polymer composites was provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To enhance students' understanding of polymer crystallization and cultivate their research and innovation skills, three traditional independent experiments, namely differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), polarizing microscope (POM), and small-angle laser scattering (SALS), have been integrated into a systematic crystallization study. Our study focuses on biodegradable polymer polybutylene succinate (PBS), allowing for a comprehensive investigation of the crystallization process and characteristics from multiple perspectives. [Methods] This study investigates how the amorphous copolymer unit, butylene 2-methylsuccinate (BMS), affects the thermal properties, crystallization kinetics, and morphology of poly(butylene succinate-co-butylene 2-methylsuccinate) (PBSMS). The research was conducted collaboratively, with each team initially performing literature reviews and designing experiments tailored to their respective topics. Subsequently, each team formulated an experimental plan based on instructor feedback. During the experimental phase, they sequentially executed DSC, POM, and SALS experiments as per their assigned tasks. The data collected was then analyzed across teams working on similar topics to comprehensively assess the crystallization process. This analysis aimed to explore the impact of BMS on the crystallization behavior of PBSMS and to derive research conclusions. The findings from the study were systematically compiled into laboratory and course reports. During DSC experiments, a heating rate of 10 °C/s was chosen after eliminating the thermal history of the sample. The experiment was conducted at three set temperatures: 160 °C, 20 °C, and 160 °C. A small amount of polymer powder (about 0.3 mg) was heated between two glass slides and melted at 160 °C for 3 min, then rolled into a bubble-free film. These films were subsequently observed and photographed using POM at appropriate intervals. In the photographs, three fixed spheroids were selected, and their radii at different times were determined using the three-point method. These data were then fitted to obtain the average spheroid growth rate. Additionally, the films were observed using SALS to calculate the spheroid radius and ring spacing using the corresponding formulas. [Results] The study revealed the following: 1) As the BMS content decreased (0%-10%), the peak crystallization temperature and melting point of the polymer increased; 2) Within the 75 °C-80 °C range, the spheroid radial growth rate of PBSMS decreased as the BMS content increased at the same isothermal crystallization temperature; 3) At the same isothermal crystallization temperature, PBSMS with less amorphous copolymerization units exhibited larger, irregular zonal spherulites; 4) Different BMS concentrations (0%-10%) had different effects on the spheroid radius of PBSMS. [Conclusions] Through a series of comparative experiments and detailed analyses, we demonstrated that changes in BMS content significantly affect the peak crystallization temperature, melting point, spheroid morphology, and average growth rate during the isothermal crystallization of the PBSMS. The experimental results align with the theoretical knowledge and literature, enhancing understanding and mastery of the subject. Through these integrated experiments, students improved their skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reasoning. Moreover, the course facilitated advanced research topics, guiding students to conduct scientific research training in teaching experiments and achieving the goal of integrating research with teaching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights This paper reports on preparing two types of graphene oxide‐zinc oxide (GO‐ZnO) nano‐hybrids and their effect on the performance of polybutylene succinate (PBS) matrix. This view synthesized GO, ZnO, and GO‐ZnO nano‐hybrids at 1:1 and 1:2 weight ratios. Subsequently, various spectroscopy and microscopy analyses (FTIR, UV, Raman, AFM, and TEM) were employed to characterize the structure of synthesized nanomaterials. The obtained results revealed that the hybridization was successfully occurred and microstructure of two types of prepared nano‐hybrids are basically different depending on the preparation procedure. Following this, PBS nanocomposites with 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% of GO‐ZnO nano‐hybrids (NPs) were produced via the solvent‐blending method. The mechanical, microstructural, rheological, biodegradability and UV‐shielding properties of the fabricated films were then investigated. Mechanical properties showed that addition of 0.5 wt% ZnO‐GO nanohybrids improved elongation at break from 21.6% to 28.7% and increased tensile strength by 20%. However, rheological assessments showed a one‐order‐of‐magnitude decrease in viscosity with the addition of only 0.5 wt%. In degradation analysis, 100 percent of mass loss was observed during 5 weeks for PBS with 1.5 wt% of GO‐ZnO. PBS/GO‐ZnO nanocomposites indicated tailored mechanical properties, biodegradability, suggesting a promising potential in packaging applications. GO‐ZnO nanohybrids were successfully synthesized. Incorporating GO‐ZnO into PBS improved its hydrolytic degradation The thermal decomposition of PBS was accelerated by the addition of GO‐ZnO. Adding GO‐ZnO nanohybrids to PBS resulted in a drop in viscosity. Nanohybrids with higher ZnO content exhibited greater hydrolytic and thermal degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is an aliphatic linear polyester that is known for its excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility, making it one of the most promising application polymers. However, its disadvantages of poor toughness, low thermostability, and high crystallinity limit its large-scale commercial applications. In this article, a novel epoxy-functionalized core–shell starch particle (CSP-GMA) is successfully synthesized by virtue of soap-free emulsion polymerization, which consists of a "hard" starch (St) core and a "soft" ethyl acrylate (EA) shell grafted with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). A binary blend of biodegradable polymers is prepared via a melt blend process with CSP-GMA as a core–shell particle modifier and PBS as a polymer matrix. The mechanical properties, thermal behavior, crystallization properties, stability and microscopic morphology of PBS/CSP-GMA blends are thoroughly studied. The incorporation of 20 wt% CSP-GMA into the PBS blend promotes an increase in the impact strength by 55% and the elongation at break by 173% higher than that of pure PBS respectively, which indicates that our work proposes an efficient strategy for fabricating PBS blends with good comprehensive properties and low cost. The DSC testing shows that the crystallinity of PBS blend is reduced in comparison to PBS, while the crystallization temperature is also decreased, confirming that CSP-GMA can facilitate the crystallization of PBS. The SEM observation reveals that owing to the compatibility arising between two phases interface due to the presence of epoxy group on core–shell starch particle surface, CSP-GMA is better dispersed in the PBS matrix, resulting in the improvement for performance of PBS blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within the field of radiology, safeguarding against radiation is crucial, particularly in diagnostic procedures like X-rays, as radiation exposure holds the potential to harm cellular DNA. Presently, lead serves as the predominant material for radiation shielding. However, its usage raises environmental concerns owing to its toxic properties. The objective of this study is to investigate a radiation shielding alternative to lead and assess its efficacy in protecting against radiation. We examined the radiation absorption properties of material made from a composite of PBS and iodine contrast media in various proportions. Our findings indicate that the shielding material containing 75% iodine have the greatest ability to reduce radiation dose from X-rays but are still less than lead. Moreover, the PBS composite with iodine contrast media proved to be environmentally friendly, flexible, and exhibited excellent shielding performance in mitigating exposure during diagnostic X-ray procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PBS/sepiolite composite materials were prepared using the melt blending, and their processing rheological properties and thermal performance were studied. Taking the example of PBS/sepiolite composite with a 10% sepiolite content, the influence of foaming temperature and CO2 immersion time on the cellular structure of PBS composite materials was investigated. The experimental results show that sepiolite exhibits good dispersion in PBS, and its addition significantly enhances the crystallization temperature, crystallization rate. The addition of sepiolite increases the viscosity of PBS composite and prolongs the Carreau relaxation time. From the data of extensional viscosity, it can be observed that the addition of sepiolite reduces the extensibility of the melt, but significantly increases the melt strength. When the amount of sepiolite exceeds 10%, the viscosity and crystalline performance of the material are negatively affected by filler aggregation. From the foaming experiment results, it is observed that immersing CO2 at 106 °C for 90 min achieves the optimal cellular structure. At this point, the foaming expansion ratio can reach 16, the average cell size is 37 μm, and the cell density reaches 4.1 × 107 cells/cm3. Using highly adsorbent sepiolite to enhance the melt strength of PBS for stable foaming is a simple and effective method, avoiding the influence of molecular degradation caused by chemical chain extension or cross-linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polymer; however, a prolonged soil degradation rate of PBS limits its wide range of applications. Here, the impact of incorporating chitin in mechanical and thermal properties and soil degradation characteristics of PBS/hydroxyapatite (HAP) composites is investigated. Chitin is one of the most abundant natural polymers extensively used for various applications and has a fast soil degradation characteristic. Therefore, ternary PBS composites are melt‐processed in a twin‐screw extruder with a fixed amount of HAP (1.5 wt%) and two different loadings of chitin (1.5 and 3 wt%). Morphological characterization using transmission electron microscopy shows a homogeneous distribution of both fillers in a PBS composite containing 1.5 wt% chitin. In contrast, an optical microscopy study of the same composite at the melt state shows defibrillation and breakage of the chitin fibers during the extrusion. Incorporation of chitin decreases the elongation at break of the PBS/HAP composite, which is likely a consequence of chitin fiber morphology. However, the soil degradation characteristics and melt strength of PBS/HAP composites are improved in the presence of chitin fibers. In summary, chitin is shown to have the potential as an additive to obtain environmentally benign PBS composites for a wide range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer filament fabrication and its printability are influenced significantly by rheological behavior. This influence can pose a significant obstacle when attempting to transition fused deposition modeling (FDM) from the laboratory to industrial or clinical settings. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how machine learning (ML) approaches can speed up the development of polymer filaments for FDM. Four types of ML methods: artificial neural network, support vector regression, polynomial chaos expansion (PCE), and response surface model, were used to predict the rheological behaivior of polybutylene succinate. In general, all four approaches presented significantly high correlation values with respect to the training and testing data stages. Remarkably, the PCE algorithm repeatedly provided the highest correlation for each response variable in both the training and testing stages. Noteworthy, variation differs between response variables rather than between algorithms. Taken together, these modeling approaches could be used to optimize filament extrusion processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports the effect of 1–5 wt% epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) addition on the thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS). ESO acts as a chain extender as well as a mild plasticizer of PBS. N-methylimidazole (NMI) is used as a catalyst to promote the reaction between PBS and ESO, and thermal, rheological, and spectroscopic analyses demonstrate increased viscoelastic properties, compatibility, crystallinity and thermal stability of the melt reacted formulations. In the presence of NMI, storage modulus (G’) values two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure PBS are achieved, confirming the completion of the chain extension reaction. A drastic refinement of the biphasic structure of the blend is observed, with the formation of a homogenous structure where ESO is well incorporated into the matrix. Finally, tensile tests reveal enhanced mechanical performance in the blends reacted in the presence of NMI. These findings pave the way for the development of a versatile family of materials which could find potential application in sustainable biodegradable packaging.

Biodegradable biopolymers such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate are sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, the factors affecting their degradation must be characterized in detail to enable successful utilization. Here we compared the extruder dwell time at three different melt-spinning scales and its influence on the degradation of both polymers. The melt temperature was the same for all three processes, but the shear stress and dwell time were key differences, with the latter being the easiest to measure. Accelerated degradation tests, including quick weathering and disintegration, were used to evaluate the influence of dwell time on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting fibers. We found that longer dwell times accelerated degradation. Quick weathering by UV pre-exposure before the disintegration trial, however, had a more significant effect than dwell time, indicating that degradation studies with virgin material in a laboratory-scale setting only show the theoretical behavior of a product in the laboratory. A weathered fiber from an industrial-scale spinning line more accurately predicts the behavior of a product placed on the market before ending up in the environment. This highlights the importance of optimizing process parameters such as the dwell time to adapt the degradability of biopolymers for specific applications and environmental requirements. By gaining a deeper insight into the relationship between manufacturing processes and fiber degradability, products can be adapted to meet suitable performance criteria for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three types of starch with different amylose content were esterified and blended with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to obtain esterified manioc starch/PBS (EMS/PBS), esterified corn starch/PBS (ECS/PBS), and esterified waxy corn starch/PBS (EWS/PBS) composites. The EMS/PBS and ECS/PBS composites with high amylose content displayed typical V-type crystal structures. The original crystals of EWS, which had low amylose content, were disrupted during the esterification process. EWS exhibited the strongest interaction with PBS and the most favorable interface compatibility. The pyrolysis temperature was in order of EMS/PBS < ECS/PBS < EWS/PBS. The elongation at break of the three blends was higher than that of pure PBS. The esterification and plasticization of the EWS/PBS composite were the most comprehensive. The EWS/PBS composite showed the lowest storage modulus (G') and complex viscosity (η*). The interfacial bonding force of the composite materials increased with more amylopectin, decreasing intermolecular forces and destroying crystal structures, which decreased G' and η* and increased toughness. The EWS/PBS composite, with the least amylose content, had the best hydrophobicity and degradation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Currently, the flame‐retardant modification of polybutylene succinate (PBS) is mainly focused on improving flame‐retardant efficiency, ignoring the negative impact of the smoke produced by combustion on the human respiratory tract. To address this problem, PBS composites were prepared by melt blending method in this study. The effect of boron nitride‐grafted DOPO flame retardant (BNNS@DOPA) on flame retardancy and smoke suppression of PBS composites was investigated. Incorporating 3% BNNS@DOPA into PBS composites results in a 90% improvement in thermal conductivity. This resulted in a reduction of the peak heat release rate, total heat release rate, and actual smoke rate to 453.7 kW m−2, 86.3 MJ m−2, and 1035.9 m2, respectively, compared with pure PBS. The latter indicated a decrease of 34.0%, 37.6%, and 51.2%, respectively. Furthermore, the ignition time was extended by 45 s and the limiting oxygen index value increased by 12.5%. This functionalization approach presents a new way to study PBS flame retardancy improvement, consequently boosting its application in fire safety for polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to improve the toughness of polylactic acid (PLA) through the method of blending modification to obtain impact resistant biodegradable materials. PLA/EMA-GMA/PBS composites were prepared by adding ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (EMA-GMA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) to PLA by the method of blending and melting reaction processing. The influences of different EMAGMA content on the thermal properties, rheological properties, flowability, mechanical properties, phase morphology, and biological decomposition properties were studied. The results show that when the EMAGMA content is 5%~25%, the biological decomposition rate of PLA/EMAGMA/ PBS composites is larger than 60%, which meets the requirements of biodegradable plastics in GB/T 19277.1-2011. E-MA-GMA can significantly improve the toughness and impact strength of PLA/EMAGMA/ PBS composites, and further shows that there is partial compatibility between PLA/EMAGMA/ PBS composites. With the increase of EMAGMA content, the complex viscosity of the PLA/EMAGMA/ PBS composites increases remarkedly, the molecular chain entanglement of different components. There is a significant interaction between E-MA-GMA, PLA, and PBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polymer; however, a prolonged soil degradation rate of PBS limits its wide range of applications. Here, the impact of incorporating chitin in mechanical and thermal properties and soil degradation characteristics of PBS/hydroxyapatite (HAP) composites is investigated. Chitin is one of the most abundant natural polymers extensively used for various applications and has a fast soil degradation characteristic. Therefore, ternary PBS composites are melt‐processed in a twin‐screw extruder with a fixed amount of HAP (1.5 wt%) and two different loadings of chitin (1.5 and 3 wt%). Morphological characterization using transmission electron microscopy shows a homogeneous distribution of both fillers in a PBS composite containing 1.5 wt% chitin. In contrast, an optical microscopy study of the same composite at the melt state shows defibrillation and breakage of the chitin fibers during the extrusion. Incorporation of chitin decreases the elongation at break of the PBS/HAP composite, which is likely a consequence of chitin fiber morphology. However, the soil degradation characteristics and melt strength of PBS/HAP composites are improved in the presence of chitin fibers. In summary, chitin is shown to have the potential as an additive to obtain environmentally benign PBS composites for a wide range of applications.

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) stands out as a promising biodegradable polymer, drawing attention for its potential as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastics due to its biodegradability and reduced environmental impact. In this study, we aimed to enhance PBS degradation by examining artificial consortia composed of bacterial strains. Specifically, Terribacillus sp. JY49, Bacillus sp. JY35, and Bacillus sp. NR4 were assessed for their capabilities and synergistic effects in PBS degradation. When only two types of strains, Bacillus sp. JY35 and Bacillus sp. NR4, were co-cultured as a consortium, a notable increase in degradation activity toward PBS was observed compared to their activities alone. The consortium of Bacillus sp. JY35 and Bacillus sp. NR4 demonstrated a remarkable degradation yield of 76.5% in PBS after 10 days. The degradation of PBS by the consortium was validated and our findings underscore the potential for enhancing PBS degradation and the possibility of fast degradation by forming artificial consortia, leveraging the synergy between strains with limited PBS degradation activity. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that utilizing only two types of strains in the consortium facilitates easy control and provides reproducible results. This approach mitigates the risk of losing activity and reproducibility issues often associated with natural consortia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) are gaining prominence as environmentally friendly alternatives to petroleum-based polymers due to their inherent biodegradability. For their textile applications, this research is focused on exploring the effects of PBS content on the rheological properties of PLA/PBS blends and the characteristics of PLA/PBS blend fibers. PLA/PBS blends and fibers with varying PBS contents (0 to 10 wt.%) were prepared using melt-blending and spinning methods. Uniform morphologies of the PLA/PBS blends indicated that PBS was compatible with PLA, except at 10% PBS content, where phase separation occurred. The introduction of PBS reduced the complex viscosity of the blends, influencing fiber properties. Notably, PLA/PBS fibers with 7% PBS exhibited improved crystallinity, orientation factor, and elasticity (~16.58%), with a similar tensile strength to PLA fiber (~3.58 MPa). The results suggest that an optimal amount of PBS enhances alignment along the drawing direction and improves the molecular motion in PLA/PBS blend fiber. This study highlights the potential of strategically blending PBS to improve PLA fiber characteristics, promising advancement in textile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The shrinkage issue has posed a significant challenge for the practical application of biodegradable foam materials. The varying temperature-pressure mode (VT-PM) was adopted to fabricate poly (butylene adipate-butylene terephthalate) (PBAT)/Polybutylene succinate (PBS) foams. Foam shrinkage was significantly improved by the synergistic effect of temperature and pressure, and the shrinkage resistance mechanism was investigated by analyzing the cell structure. The crystallization behavior of PBS was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscope (POM). Small size PBS crystals were obtained during the temperature change process, and the heterogeneous nucleation of PBS crystals increased the foaming expansion ratio. It was also found that the thick cell wall was able to act as a skeleton to support the structure of large cell size (＞100 μm) foams, ensuring larger compression stress and modulus.

Alkali-treated bagasse fiber was used as a process variable for optimization of the properties of polybutylene succinate/poly(lactic acid)-based biocomposites using Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimum conditions for three factors, i.e., NaOH-treated bagasse fiber (0.55 to 1.65 g), polybutylene succinate (1.1 to 2.3 g), and poly(lactic acid) (2.2 to 3.4 g) on the bending strength of biocomposite were investigated. The optimum combination was 0.91 g of NaOH-treated bagasse fiber, 1.14 g of polybutylene succinate, and 3.10 g of poly(lactic acid). The bending strength for NaOH-treated bagasse fiber/polybutylene succinate/ poly(lactic acid) composite was 27.0 MPa, which was 26.0% higher than native bagasse fiber-based composite. The composites were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical testing, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption, and contact angle tests. Results demonstrated that the bending strength, impact strength, and tensile strength of alkali treated bagasse fiber-based biocomposite increased by 26.0%, 15.5%, and 23.3%, separately, compared with native bagasse-based composite after sequential homogenization, compounding, and hot pressing. The hydrophobicity for alkali-treated bagasse fiber/PBS/PLA was also improved. Thus, NaOH-treated biomass materials/biodegradable polymer was judged to be suitable for preparing green composite materials.

The mass production of grapevines, an agricultural waste, has imposed burdens on farmers and the environment. This study aims to address this issue by utilizing biochar derived from grapevines (GVC) in combination with polybutylene succinate (PBS) to develop an environmentally friendly bio-composite. To enhance the compatibility between GVC and PBS, maleic anhydride grafted PBS (MAPBS) was synthesized and incorporated into the bio-composite. Moreover, surface modification of GVC was conducted using a silane coupling agent to enhance its adhesion to the PBS matrix. The effects of GVC size, MAPBS content, and surface modification on the mechanical and thermal properties of PBS were investigated. The findings indicate that GVC sieved through a 200 mesh screen exhibited a better reinforcing effect compared to GVC sieved through a 120 mesh screen. The tensile test results indicated that the incorporation of 20 wt% GVC led to a reduction in the tensile strength of PBS. However, the introduction of silane-modified GVC resulted in a substantial enhancement of tensile strength, elevating it from 33.40 MPa to 40.16 MPa. Furthermore, when the composites contained both MAPBS and a lubrication agent, the tensile strength increased even further to 41.04 MPa. The thermal analysis results of the bio-composites revealed that the addition of GVC contributed to an increase in the char yield and heat resistance of PBS. Therefore, these GVC/PBS green bio-composites not only enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PBS but also reuse the waste grapevines, and produce the high value-added green composites with carbon-storing and biodegradability characteristics.

Background The acceptance of compostable plastic packaging in industrial composting plants is not universal despite available certification due to the persistence of plastic residues after composting. To better understand this discrepancy, this study compared the disintegration rates of two blends designed for rigid packaging (polylactic acid based) and soft packaging (polybutylene succinate based) in lab-scale composting tests and in an industrial composting plant. Methods A lab-scale composting test was conducted in triplicates according to ISO 20200 for 4, 8 and 12 weeks to check the disintegration potential of the blends. Duplicate test material were then exposed in the compost pile of an industrial composting plant for a duration of 3 weeks and compared with a supplementary lab-scale test of the same duration. Results The rigid packaging samples (1 mm thickness) retained on average 76.4%, 59.0% and 55.7% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively in the lab-scale. In the plant, the average remaining mass was 98.3%, much higher compared to the average of 68.9% after 3 weeks in the supplementary lab-scale test. The soft packaging samples (109±9 µm sample thickness) retained on average 45.4%, 10.9% and 0.3% of its mass after 4, 8 and 12 weeks respectively in the lab-scale. In the plant, a high average remaining mass was also observed (93.9%). The supplementary lab-scale test showed similar remaining mass but higher fragmentation after 3 weeks. Conclusions The results show that the samples achieved significant disintegration in the lab-scale but not in the plant. The difference between the tests that might further contribute to the differing degradation rates is the composition and heterogeneity of the composting substrate. Therefore, the substrate composition and thermophilic composting duration of individual plants are important considerations to determine the suitability of treating compostable plastic in real-world conditions.

The main purpose of this work is to use biomass-based silica made of non-glutinous rice husk as a green and novel additive for polybutylene succinate (PBS)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) composite film. The approach started from combusting the acid-treated biomass at 600 °C for 30 min to obtain Rice Husk Silica (RHS) ash with 11.76 wt% and a purity of 99%. Not only the highly purified RHS could be utilized as an additive to minimize the use of PBS matrix, but the RHS could function as a co-additive along with CaCO3 particles to reinforce the mechanical as well as thermal properties to the composite film. Throughout, different sizes of CaCO3 were carefully studied from 100, 325, or 1250 mesh in size and the content of RHS was varied from 0 to 15 phr to acquire the optimal conditions for these two additives. The effect of physical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphology of all the PBS composite films were thoroughly investigated when either one of the additive contents were varied. The optimum additive conditions were found when 20 phr and 1250 mesh sizes of CaCO3 and 10 phr of RHS were used. With this optimization, the strength and thermal properties of the PBS composite film has been increased significantly (8.03 vs. 13.97 N mm−2 and 491.83 vs. 496.00 °C, respectively). This research did not only introduce two types of environmental and eco-friendly additives but also successfully enhanced the pre-existing mechanical and thermal properties of the PBS composite films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) devices are exemplar systems for mechanical‐to‐electrical energy conversion due to their simplicity and promising performance. However, little attention has been paid to recycling or reusing TENG devices. Indeed, most TENG devices are based on non‐biodegradable polymers, and thus end up in a landfill. Developing biodegradable triboelectric materials is crucial to mitigate negative environmental impacts from their growing use, however, it is challenging to identify such a materials that generate an applicable charge. Herein, such a biodegradable polymer triboelectric pair is demonstrated, by combining poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) films with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) filler. A power density of 143 mW m−2 and a charge density of 1.36 nC cm−2 is measured when contacting pristine PBS with 70 wt% MCC/PBS composite film, which is comparable to polydimethylsiloxane‐based TENGs under identical testing conditions. These devices are shown to degrade via composting at 58 °C over 70 days, enabling long‐term (>10 000 cycle) performance and degradation upon disposal. It is suggested that this approach can be extended to control triboelectric properties for other biodegradable polymers. The technology and concepts developed herein directly address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for Responsible Consumption & Production and Affordable and Clean Energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Superworms gained weight on a diet of only polybutylene succinate (PBS). • Superworms can use PBS as an energy source and convert it into biomass. • Superworm intestinal juice can accelerate PBS biodegradation during composting. • Antioxidant-rich gut-free superworms can be used as food and feed additives. • Insect-mediated plastic degradation offers a sustainable pollution solution. Bioplastics offer a promising solution to plastic pollution, however, their production frequently relies on edible biomass, and their degradation rates remain inadequate. This study investigates the potential of superworms (Zophobas atratus larvae) for polybutylene succinate (PBS) waste management, aiming to achieve both resource recovery and biodegradation. Superworms exclusively fed on PBS for a month exhibited the same survival rate as those on a standard bran diet. PBS digestion yielded a 5.13% weight gain and a 23.23% increase in protein composition in superworms. Additionally, carbon isotope analyses substantiated the conversion of PBS into superworm components. Gut microbes capable of PBS biodegradation became progressively prominent, further augmenting the degradation rate of PBS under composting conditions (ISO 14855-1). Gut-free superworms fed with PBS exhibited antioxidant activities comparable to those of blueberries, renowned for their high antioxidant activity. Based on these findings, this study introduces a sustainable circular solution encompassing recycling PBS waste to generate insect biomass, employing insect gut and frass for PBS degradation and fertilizer, and harnessing insect residue as a food source. In essence, the significance of this research extends to socio-economic and environmental spheres, impacting waste management, resource efficiency, circular economy promotion, environmental preservation, industrial advancement, and global sustainability objectives. The study's outcomes possess the potential to reshape society's approach to plastic waste, facilitating a shift toward more sustainable paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to increase the interfacial adhesion between polybutylene succinate and coconut shell particles, two kinds of chemical treatment of coconut shell particle were carried out. Firstly, a 5% sodium hydroxide treatment and secondly, a 2% sodium hydroxide plus silane coupling agent treatment. The possibility of increasing matrix adhesion has also been explored through addition of polycaprolactone to polybutylene succinate as a matrix. Composites were produced using extrusion prior to injection moulding. The results show that, compared with neat polybutylene succinate, composites with low percentage of particle loading have a higher tensile strength and strain at break despite their lower elastic modulus. A higher elastic modulus can be obtained for composites with higher particle loadings through sacrifice of their ductility. The same trend is observed for composites with the polymer-blend matrix. Scanning electron micrographs show good adhesion between particle and matrix for particles that undergo the second treatment. At low percentage of particle addition, the crystallinity of the composites is higher than the neat polybutylene succinate, however melting temperature is less affected by the addition of reinforcement. Rheological properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity of the composites are higher than for neat polybutylene succinate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The addition of nanoparticles could allow to upgrade the performances of biopolymers, making them fit to replace petroleum-based plastics. In order to maximize the sustainability benefits of bio-nanocomposites, it is fundamental to opportunely tune their bulk properties by acting on their nanostructure. In particular, in nanocomposite blends the final morphologies are highly dependent on the selective localization of the nanoparticles: mainly inside one of the polymeric phases and/or at the interface. In this work, nanocomposite PBS (polybutylene succinate)/PLA (polylactic acid) blown films were prepared with the aim of optimizing their mechanical and gas barrier properties by profiting from the multiple functions of nanofillers as reinforcements, compatibilizers and morphology-directors. PBS/PLA blends, at a constant polymers' weight proportion (80/20), were prepared by twin-screw extrusion, adding a constant amount of a lamellar nanosilicate (Cloisite 30B), according to different mixing routes: (i) by first dispersing the nanofillers inside the PLA or PBS phase, followed by the compounding with the other resin; (ii) by direct mixing of all the three components. The nanocomposite systems showed a finer dispersion of the PLA phase compared to the neat PBS/PLA blend. While a good exfoliation degree of the nanosilicate was generally observed for all the hybrid samples, the different blending sequence of the nanofillers significantly affected their preferential localization. In particular, the barrier and mechanical performances of the hybrid film PBS/(PLA + C30B) were most positively affected by the selective localization of the nanoplatelets at PBS/PLA interface, since their compatibilizing action was effectively exploited. In fact, this latter sample exhibited an interesting increase (+ 29%) of the deformation at break and a significant improvement (+ 33%) of the oxygen barrier compared with the neat PBS/PLA blend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), are categorized as biodegradable bioplastics that have progressively being utilized as food packaging replacing the obtrusive petroleum plastic. This study aims to evaluate the toxicity of bioplastics and petroleum-based plastic polyethylene (PE) on Artemia franciscana and animal cell lines. Each plastic sample was assessed in its powdered form, and the size distribution of PE, PLA, and PBS microplastic particles was observed by optical microscopy. Additionally, the toxicity of hatching percentage and mortality rate was investigated. The results demonstrated that the percentage of hatching and the mortality rate post treatment with PLA and PBS particles for 24 and 48 h did not significantly alter in comparison to those treated with PE particles. However, the percentage of Artemia hatching reduced post treatment with plastic particles in comparison to the control, as well as the mortality rate increased with a high concentration of plastic particles. The morphology of Artemia after ingesting microplastic particles was obtained using phase contrast inverted microscopy. The accumulation of plastic in the Artemia gut was observed succeeding its exposure to PE, PLA, and PBS particles. In addition, the cytotoxicity of plastics on human keratinocyte (HaCaT), normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF), and African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell lines were determined by MTT assay. The result exhibited that increasing concentrations of microplastic particles had substantially less toxic to practically nontoxic effect on the cells. The biomolecule profile by synchrotron-IR technique displayed that plastics potentially have more alteration effect in epithelial kidney cells (Vero) than fibroblasts (NHDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT). Our results demonstrate that PE, PLA, and PBS had toxicity on Artemia following ingestion, in accordance with the concentration and duration tests. Moreover, microplastic particles were nontoxic or harmless to animal cell lines and altered some intracellular biomolecule profiles. These discoveries are essential not only for environmental health risk assessment but also in order to establish recommendations toward safer utilization of bioplastics-based materials for a robust lifestyle.

Copyright of Polymer Materials Science & Engineering is the property of Sichuan University, Polymer Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Using intumescent flame retardant (IFR) composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and pentaerythritol (PER) as the main flame retardant, the organic montmorillonite (OMMT) as the synergistic flame retardant, and the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) as the polymer charring agent, the flame retardant modification of polybutylene succinate (PBS) was carried out by melt blending. The effect of the distribution of IFR and OMMT on the flame retardancy of PBS/TPU blends was investigated. The PBS/TPU/IFR/OMMT flame retardant composites were tested and characterized by limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion, thermogravimetric analysis, melt viscosity analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that OMMT and IFR has a good synergistic flame retardant effect. The flame retardant effect of PBS/TPU/IFR blends can be improved when the mass fraction of OMMT is 1%. The distribution position of IFR and OMMT has a significant impact on the flame retardance of PBS/TPU/IFR/OMMT blends. When IFR and OMMT are directly distributed in PBS phase, the flame retardancy of the blend is the best. LOI is 32. 7% and the vertical combustion reaches UL 94 V-0 level, which is significantly better than that of the flame retardancy for the other three distribution systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) and other succinic (co)polyesters are biodegradable polymers with favorable mechanical and thermal properties that find use in many applications. Due to environmental concerns, polymers based on succinic acid (SA) have been gaining attention, as SA can be produced through biotechnological processes. Thus, this review aims to highlight the synthesis and characteristics of PBS and other succinic copolyesters, with emphasis in the works employing metallic catalysts and enzymes. In addition, the modification of the macromolecular structure by copolymerization or postpolymerization is also discussed. Currently, metallic catalysts are normally used in the synthesis of these materials, under conditions of high temperatures, which can favor the occurrence of thermal degradation, increasing the dispersion of chain length distributions. Moreover, the incrustation of metallic catalysts in polymeric materials makes their application in biomedical products difficult, due to toxicity requirements. In this context, enzymatic catalysis is gaining ground, offering milder synthesis temperatures, high selectivity, and uniformity of synthesized products. This biotechnological route can substitute oligomerization processes with metallic catalysis in future industrial processes, producing materials free from metallic contamination. In addition to production by catalytic routes, trends for future applications of succinic (co)polyesters are presented, with emphasis on the value‐added materials sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a huge demand for disposable facemasks. Billions were manufactured from nonbiodegradable petroleum-derived polymers, and many were discarded in the environment where they contributed to plastic pollution. There is an urgent need for biobased and biodegradable facemasks to avoid environmental harm during future disease outbreaks. Melt electrospinning is a promising alternative technique for the manufacturing of filter layers using sub-microfibers prepared from biobased raw materials such as polybutylene succinate (PBS). However, it is not yet possible to produce sub-micrometer PBS fibers or uniform nonwoven-like samples at the pilot scale, which hinders their investigation as filter layers. Further optimization of pilot-scale PBS melt electrospinning is therefore required. Here, we tested the effect of different parameters such as electric field strength, nozzle-to-collector distance and throughput on the final fiber diameter and sample uniformity during PBS melt electrospinning on a pilot-scale device. We also studied the effect of a climate chamber and an additional infrared heater on the solidification of PBS fibers and their final diameter and uniformity. In addition, a post-processing step, including a hot air stream of 90 °C for 30 s has been studied and successfully lead to a nonwoven-like structure including filaments that weld together without changing their structure. The finest fibers (1.7 µm in diameter) were produced at an applied electric field strength of −40 kV, a nozzle-to-collector distance of 5.5 cm, and a spin pump speed of 2 rpm. Three uniform nonwoven-like samples were tested as filter layers in a medical face mask by measuring their ability to prevent the transfer of bacteria, but the pore size was too large for effective retention. Our results provide insight into the process parameters influencing the suitability of melt-electrospun nonwoven-like samples as biobased and biodegradable filter materials and offer guidance for further process optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polymer Materials Science & Engineering is the property of Sichuan University, Polymer Research Institute and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The issue of microplastic (MP) litter in the aquatic environment and its capability of accumulating and/or releasing pollutants has been brought to light in recent years. Biodegradable plastics have been proposed as one of the different solutions to decrease environmental input of discarded plastics; however, their ability to accumulate and release pollutants once in the marine environment has not been assessed yet. In this study, we compare the accumulation and the release of a wide range of compounds by biodegradable (polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS)) and conventional (polyethylene (PE)) MPs following exposure to natural seawater for 64 days. We quantified polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), phthalates, and alternative plasticizers in MPs, before and after exposure. Results indicated that PBS- and PHA-MPs accumulated the largest amount of PAHs and PFRs, respectively. Leaching of PFRs and plasticizers was observed for all polymers and was approximately twofold greater for PE- when compared to PBS- and PHA-MPs. Overall, our study suggests that biodegradable MPs may release less additives and accumulate a larger amount of contaminants from seawater compared to conventional ones: these findings may have implications on the risk assessment of biodegradable polymers for marine biota; and on potential widespread adoption of these types of plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To reveal a relationship among crystallization, conductivity and electromagnetic shielding properties of full biodegradable polymer after ultraviolet (UV) aging, polybutylene succinate (PBS)‐based composites with different weight ratios of multi‐wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polylactic acid (PLA) /PBS masterbatch were processed via melt‐compounding approach. Morphology of the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch prepared by Pickering emulsion method was confirmed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation. Comprehensive effects of different content of masterbatch and UV aging time on the morphology, crystallization, and electrical and electromagnetic shielding properties of MWCNTs/PLA/PBS composites were shown by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), SEM, wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), polarizing microscope (POM), ultra‐depth of field optical microscope, resistance tester, and vector network analyzer. Compared with PBS composite with 0.1 wt% MWCNTs, the electrical conductivity of PBS composite with the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch increased by two orders of magnitude, and dispersed morphology for the composite showed double percolation structure. After UV aging, both MWCNTs/PBS composites and the PBS composites with the MWCNTs/PLA/PBS masterbatch, their surface presented burnt yellow and parts of flaws, while both their electrical conductivity and total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness gradually increased. Moreover, with the increasing of UV aging time, not only crystal size of these PBS‐based composites became large, but also their crystal interface became clearer. Furthermore, when UV aging time reached 528 h, the tensile strength of 0.6 M/PLA/PBS composite decreased by 12.6%, while its total electromagnetic shielding effectiveness increased by 39.8%, compared with the composite without UV aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a limited set of model samples it has been recently shown that semicrystalline polymers exhibit different morphological characteristics depending on the existence and timescale of intracrystalline chain diffusion (ICD) relative to the kinetics of crystal growth. Here, the generality of these reports for the case of so‐called crystal‐fixed polymers without or very slow ICD is tested by providing a detailed nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis of polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biodegradable polyester. By using a combination of NMR techniques covering different timescales it is shown that there is no intracrystalline dynamics on a time scale faster than 1 s, that is, PBS is crystal‐fixed. An expected crystallinity below 50% and the typical morphology consisting of lamellar crystals with a well‐defined crystal thickness and a broad thickness distribution of the amorphous interlayers are confirmed. By combining these results with differential scanning calorimetry measurements, a more precise value could be provided for the enthalpy of melting than previously available. The mechanical properties at room temperature are furthermore influenced by additional insertion crystallization taking place during cooling, which leads to an increase of the mechanical modulus by a factor of ≈2.5 as compared to the state at the end of isothermal crystallization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environment friendly cellulose nanofibrils obtained from natural cellulose presents unique opportunity for developing a sustainable end product. The beneficial characteristics of cellulose nanofibrils are biocompatibility, low toxicity, suitable surface chemistry and useful physical properties. In the current study, the polybutylene succinate (PBS) with five levels of cellulose nanofibril (NFC) is being developed by using twin extruder. The differential scanning calorimeter results demonstrate that the addition of NFC has insignificant effect on the thermal behavior but it improves the tensile mechanical properties of thermoplastic PBS. The tensile strength reaches upto 30.81 MPA and elastic modulus increases upto 1.5 GPa with the addition of 10% cellulose nanofibril in polybutylene succinate. The rheological analysis shows that the complex viscosity η* of NFC/PBS presents the shear thinning behavior. The decrease in contact angle upto 70.7o with the addition of NFC in PBS matrix is related to its hydrophilic behavior which is also proved by the higher diffusion coefficient. Dynamic mechanical analysis was employed to characterize storage modulus G' which increased by 1470 MPa due to the rise in PBS stiffness when 10% NFC was added. Finally, the interaction of cellulose nanofibrils in the polybutylene succinate matrix is evaluated by using fracture surface and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about how the strength of biodegradable polymers changes during decomposition. This study investigated the changes in the tensile properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and basalt-fiber (BF)-reinforced PBS (PBS-BF) composite sheets during degradation in bacterial solutions. Seven days after the start of the experiment, the elongation at break of the PBS specimens decreased significantly, and the PBS-BF composite specimens were characterized by barely any change in ultimate tensile strength (UTS) after immersion in the bacteria-free medium for 7 and 56 days. Meanwhile, when immersed in the bacterial solution, the UTS of the PBS-BF composite specimens showed a tendency to decrease after 7 days. After 56 days, the UTS decreased to about half of its value immediately after fabrication. The degradation of the material was attributed to infiltration of the bacterial solution into structurally weak areas, causing decomposition throughout the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin has many potential applications and is a biopolymer with a three-dimensional network structure. It is composed of three phenylpropane units, p-hydroxyphenyl, guaiacyl, and syringyl, connected by ether bonds and carbon–carbon bonds, and it contains a large number of phenol or aldehyde structural units, resulting in complex lignin structures. This limits the application of lignin. To expand the application range of lignin, we prepared lignin thermoplastic phenolic resins (LPRs) by using lignin instead of phenol; these LPRs had molecular weights of up to 1917 g/mol, a molecular weight distribution of 1.451, and an O/P value of up to 2.73. Due to the complex structure of the lignin, the synthetic lignin thermoplastic phenolic resins were not very tough, which greatly affected the performance of the material. If the lignin phenolic resins were toughened, their application range would be substantially expanded. Polybutylene succinate (PBS) has excellent processability and excellent mechanical properties. The toughening effects of different PBS contents in the LPRs were investigated. PBS was found to be compatible with the LPRs, and the flexible chain segments of the small PBS molecules were embedded in the molecular chain segments of the LPRs, thus reducing the crystallinities of the LPRs. The good compatibility between the two materials promoted hydrogen bond formation between the PBS and LPRs. Rheological data showed good interfacial bonding between the materials, and the modulus of the high-melting PBS made the LPRs more damage resistant. When PBS was added at 30%, the tensile strength of the LPRs was increased by 2.8 times to 1.65 MPa, and the elongation at break increased by 31 times to 93%. This work demonstrates the potential of lignin thermoplastic phenolic resins for industrial applications and provides novel concepts for toughening biobased aromatic resins with PBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simplified and scalable one‐pot process for the anaerobic production of succinic acid using a metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum strain is demonstrated. With targeted bioprocess optimization, succinic acid titer of 78 g L−1 and yield of 1.41 molSAmolGLC−1 were achieved. Succinic acid was recovered from the neutral fermentation broth by electrochemically induced crystallization and applied for polybutylene bio‐succinate synthesis using a biocompatible zinc catalyst. Except for a slight color change, the final biopolymer was comparable to the polymer from commercial precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturers of technical polymers must increasingly consider the degradability of their products due to the growing public interest in topics such as greenhouse gas emissions and microplastic pollution. Biobased polymers are part of the solution, but they are still more expensive and less well characterized than conventional petrochemical polymers. Therefore, few biobased polymers with technical applications have reached the market. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most widely-used industrial thermoplastic biopolymer and is mainly found in the areas of packaging and single-use products. It is classed as biodegradable but only breaks down efficiently above the glass transition temperature of ~60 °C, so it persists in the environment. Some commercially available biobased polymers can break down under normal environmental conditions, including polybutylene succinate (PBS), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS), but they are used far less than PLA. This article compares polypropylene, a petrochemical polymer and benchmark for technical applications, with the commercially available biobased polymers PBS, PBAT and TPS, all of which are home-compostable. The comparison considers processing (using the same spinning equipment to generate comparable data) and utilization. Draw ratios ranged from 29 to 83, with take-up speeds from 450 to 1000 m/min. PP achieved benchmark tenacities over 50 cN/tex with these settings, while PBS and PBAT achieved over 10cN/tex. By comparing the performance of biopolymers to petrochemical polymers in the same melt-spinning setting, it is easier to decide which polymer to use in a particular application. This study shows the possibility that home-compostable biopolymers are suitable for products with lower mechanical properties. Only spinning the materials on the same machine with the same settings produces comparable data. This research, therefore, fills the niche and provides comparable data. To our knowledge, this report is the first direct comparison of polypropylene and biobased polymers in the same spinning process with the same parameter settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybutylene succinate (PBS)/soy protein isolate (SPI) bio-composites were "in situ" compatibilized with addition of dibenzoyl peroxide (BPO) and polyethylene glycol (400) diacrylate (PEG400DA) by melt processing. The microstructures and various properties of the uncompatibilized and compatibilized bio-composites were investigated thoroughly. The increased tensile strength and water resistance of the compatibilized composites were ascribed to the improved compatibility and enhanced adhesion in the composites. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Soxhlet extraction experiments, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic mechanical analyses (DMA) revealed the presence of the "in situ" graft copolymer (SPI-g-PEG400DA-g-PBS), which strengthened interfaces between PBS matrix and SPI domain. The "in situ" graft copolymer improved the hydrophobicity and thermal stability of the composites. Moreover, it also augmented the entanglements between the phases and increased viscosity and elasticity of the melt. Furthermore, the crystallinity of the composites was also increased by the grafts. However, the crystal structure of PBS was not modified in the bio-composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the release of the domestic plastic restriction order, degradable plastics have become a current research hotspot. The cost of packaging bags made from widely used degradable plastics such as PLA, PBAT and other plastic masterbatches is high, and it cannot well adapt to the existing market rules. The PBS plastic was foamed and adhered to the paper material by using TPU and starch to prepare a new type of degradable packaging bag. This new type of degradable packaging bag has a resilience of 153 N on one side and a degradation rate of 52.6% in 45 days. It is low in cost, environmentally friendly and non-toxic. It is a good choice for promoting degradable plastics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of multi‐component intumescent PBS formulations were elaborated by the combination of intumescent flame retardant (IFR) system (consisting of ethylenediamine phosphate and melamine poly(aluminum phosphate), 7:3, wt:wt) and synergists. Three boron/zinc‐containing compounds (i.e., melamine borate, zinc oxide, zinc carbonate) were examined as potential synergists to improve the fire behavior and fire retardancy of PBS. The MLC results showed that the incorporation of all of these compounds enhanced the fire retardancy of PBS to some extent. Among them, zinc oxide exhibited the best fire retardant performances in terms of reduction of the peak heat release rate (pHRR, −61%), fire growth rate index (FIGRA, −19%), maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE, −55%), and increase of the time to pHRR (+370 s) and to flameout (+650 s) as compared to PBS/IFR10%. Furthermore, the effect of zinc oxide loading on the fire retardancy of PBS was also investigated, the results showed that 2 wt.% loading exhibited the best performances. Solid‐state NMR characterization indicated that the presence of ZnO resulted in the formation of a crack‐free and dense intumescent char layer reinforced by complex aluminum‐zinc‐phosphates glassy species. The intumescent char layer provided a protective physical barrier with improved flexibility and cohesion, which effectively limits the heat and mass transfer between condensed and gas phases and hence, improving the fire retardancy of PBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural abundance, polymer stability, biodegradability, and natural antimicrobial properties of lignin open a wide range of potential applications aiming for sustainability. In this work, the effects of 1% (w/w) softwood kraft lignin nanoparticles (SLNPs) on the physicochemical properties of polybutylene succinate (PBS) composite films were investigated. Incorporation of SLNPs into neat PBS enhanced Td from 354.1 °C to 364.7 °C, determined through TGA, whereas Tg increased from −39.1 °C to −35.7 °C while no significant change was observed in Tm and crystallinity, analyzed through DSC. The tensile strength of neat PBS increased, to 35.6 MPa, when SLNPs were added to it. Oxygen and water vapor permeabilities of PBS with SLNPs decreased equating to enhanced barrier properties. The good interactions among SLNPs, thymol, and PBS matrix, and the high homogeneity of the resultant PBS composite films, were determined through FTIR and FE-SEM analyses. This work revealed that, among the PBS composite films tested, PBS + 1% SLNPs + 10% thymol showed the strongest microbial growth inhibition against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Lasiodiplodia theobromae, both in vitro, through a diffusion method assay, and in actual testing on active packaging of mango fruit (cultivar "Nam Dok Mai Si Thong"). SLNPs could be an attractive replacement for synthetic substances for enhancing polymer properties without compromising the biodegradability of the resultant material, and for providing antimicrobial functions for active packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the two eco-friendly flame retardants of the polymeric type (PA-PEI) and monomeric type (PA-Arg) phytate amine complexes were prepared via the ionic reaction of polyethylenimine (PEI) or arginine (Arg), respectively, with phytic acid in an aqueous solution. The chemical structure and thermal stability of PA-PEI and PA-Arg were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to improve the flame retardancy of the polylactic acid (PLA)/polybutylene succinate (PBS) biocomposites (P/15B-based biocomposites), the flame retardants PA-PEI and PA-Arg were embedded into P/15B by thermal blending procedures, respectively, to obtain P/15B/PA-PEI series and P/15B/PA-Arg series biocomposites. The TGA analyses demonstrated that incorporating PA-PEI or PA-Arg into the P/15B polymer enhances the char residues in these P/15B biocomposites. The XRD and SEM analyses of the P/15B/PA-PEI series and P/15B/PA-Arg series suggested the PA-PEI and PA-Arg were embedded into the P/15B polymer matrixes, respectively. The mechanical results showed that P/15B/PA-Arg series exhibited higher values than the P/15B/PA-PEI series biocomposite, which were associated with less roughness of P/15B/PA-Arg than that of the P/15B/PA-PEI series. The flammability results of the P/15B/PA-PEI series and P/15B/PA-Arg series biocomposites exhibited a V-2 level in UL94 vertical test. Further, the fire resistance performance of P/15B-based biocomposites was enhanced by incorporating PA-PEI or PA-Arg into the P/15B matrix through the analyses of the Cone calorimeter test (CCT), as a comparison with neat P/15B. The peak heat release rate (pHRR), the total heat release rate (THR), and char residues of P/15B/15PA-Arg biocomposite were significantly improved to 280.26 kW/m2, 107.89 MJ/m2, and 10.4%, respectively. The enhancement of the P/15B-based composites' fire resistance is attributed to the interplay effect on the catalytic and condensed effect on the thermal decomposition of PA-PEI or PA-Arg in P/15B biocomposites. The resultant eco-friendly flame-retardant P/15B biocomposites reported in this study can be widely applied in various fields, including construction, electronic appliances, and other fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]