Modification of poly(butylene succinate) with peroxide: Crosslinking, physical and thermal properties, and biodegradation

Prior to curing, we evaluated thermal stability of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Above 170°C, PBS was severely degraded and the degradation could not be successfully stabilized by an antioxidant. PBS was crosslinked effectively by DCP at 150°C, and the gel fraction was increased as DCP content increased. The major structure of crosslinked PBS is supposed to consist of an ester and an aliphatic group. The tensile strength and elongation of PBS were improved with increasing content of DCP, but tear strength was only slightly affected. The higher the crosslinking, the lower the heat of crystallization (ΔHc) and heat of fusion (ΔHf). However, the melt crystallization temperature (Tc) of crosslinked PBS was higher than that of PBS. The viscosity of crosslinked PBS increased and exhibited rubbery behavior as the content of curing agent increased. The biodegradability of crosslinked PBS did not seriously deteriorate. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 81: 1115–1124, 2001