Effect of molecular weight on the properties of poly(butylene succinate)

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with different molecular weight was synthesized from 1, 4-butanediol and succinic acid by direct melt condensation. The synthesized PBS was identified by H-1-NMR and FTIR spectrometry. The molecular weight was calculated from the intrinsic viscosity, and its value was between 20000 and 70000. The crystallization behavior and crystal morphology as function of molecular weight were investigated by DSC and PLM, respectively. The mechanical properties and hydrolytic degradation behaviors related with change of molecular weight were also studied in this work. The results demonstrated that the properties of PBS were determined by both molecular weight and crystallization properties (crystallinity as well as crystal morphology). Our work is important for the design and preparation of PBS with proper molecular weight for its practical application.