Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its copolymers

a type of completely biodegradable materials with good comprehensive properties and outstanding processability

have been industrialized and found wide applications. In this article

the progress of synthesis

modification

characterization of structure and properties as well as industrialization in our lab is summarized. We have synthesized PBS with high molecular weight via melt poly-condensation using specially designed catalyst. The crystallization behavior

physical and mechanical properties

and biodegradation rate are tuned via molecular design

such as random copolymerization and chain branching. Based on the concept of configuration (conformation) match

we designed poly (butylene succinate-

co

-butylene fumarate) showing isomorphism in the whole composition range. Poly (butylene fumarate) was found to be a highly efficient polymeric nucleating agent for PBS. In addition

blending and nanocomposites can considerably improve the mechanical properties of PBS via controlling the phase structure and polymer matrix/nano-filler interaction. Based on the fundamental research

we collaborated with companies to build facilities capable of producing PBS and its copolymers in a scale of 10000 tons annually. The resins have been used for extrusion

injection molding

thermoforming and film blowing. The products have found applications as supermarket bags and biodegradable mulch films

etc.