Enhancement of properties and biodegradability of polybutylene succinate by epoxidized palm oil

In this study, epoxidized palm oil (EPO) was employed as a modifier for polybutylene succinate (EPO) using chloroform as a solvent by solution casting process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups of PBS and PBS/EPO blends. Thermal stability and morphological properties of the blends were investigated by thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) technique, respectively. Biodegradation of this blend was also studied. The FTIR spectra indicated that there are some molecular interactions by intermolecular hydrogen bond between PBS and EPO. The PBS/EPO blend showed high thermal stability and significant improvement of biodegradation compare to pure PBS. Morphological results of PBS/EPO blends showed that EPO was good miscible with PBS.