ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with polybutylene succinate (PBS), a biobased and fossil-based, biodegradable, and compostable thermoplastic polymer, and describes its grades formulated as commercial and experimental feedstocks for extrusion-based additive manufacturing (AM). PBS features mechanical properties similar to those of polypropylene, including high elongation at break and impact strength, and is characterized by excellent thermal and chemical resistance and versatile processability. The commercial grades of PBS, their properties, and applications are illustrated, along with relative suppliers, and current and forecast market data. The only commercial feedstock containing PBS for AM and its properties are described. Blends of PBS and PLA for AM and not specific for AM, and their properties are elucidated, along with methods to prepare the blends, experimentally evaluate their suitability for AM, and measure their mechanical and thermal properties. Some patents relative to PBS are reported.
