Poly(butylenesuccinate) (PBS) belongs to the family of aliphatic
polyesters (Fig. 1) and is produced by a two stage polycondensation
starting from 1,4-butanediol and succinic acid. Today, the monomers
have fossil origin, but their industrial production by biomass
fermentation, which will contribute to environmental impact
decrement, is in progress [18]. PBS is a semicrystalline polymer
with good processability. The melting temperature is around 115 C
and the glass transition temperature occurs at about 30 C; the
tensile strength is similar to those of PE and PP while the stiffness is
between LDPE and HDPE [8]. This polymer offers a wide range of
applications, going from packaging to flushable hygiene and mulch
products. Moreover, PBS is biodegradable due to its aliphatic
structure and the presence of the ester bonds which deteriorate in
compost, moist soil, fresh water with activated sludge and sea
water [19].