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Cited by 380biodegradable polymer synthesis and propertiesPolymer crystallization and propertiesNatural Fiber Reinforced Composites

Polylactide (PLA) and Its Blends with Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS): A Brief Review

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Su, Shen, Kopitzky, Rodion, Tolga, Sengül, Kabasci, Stephan·2019·Polymers
DOI 10.3390/polym11071193PMC PMC6680981
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Abstract

Polylactide (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and blends thereof have been researched in the last two decades due to their commercial availability and the upcoming requirements for using bio-based chemical building blocks. Blends consisting of PLA and PBS offer specific material properties. However, their thermodynamically favored biphasic composition often restricts their applications. Many approaches have been taken to achieve better compatibility for tailored and improved material properties. This review focuses on the modification of PLA/PBS blends in the timeframe from 2007 to early 2019. Firstly, neat polymers of PLA and PBS are introduced in respect of their origin, their chemical structure, thermal and mechanical properties. Secondly, recent studies for improving blend properties are reviewed mainly under the focus of the toughness modification using methods including simple blending, plasticization, reactive compatibilization, and copolymerization. Thirdly, we follow up by reviewing the effect of PBS addition, stereocomplexation, nucleation, and processing parameters on the crystallization of PLA. Next, the biodegradation and disintegration of PLA/PBS blends are summarized regarding the European and International Standards, influencing factors, and degradation mechanisms. Furthermore, the recycling and application potential of the blends are outlined.

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  • PLA is made from renewable and non-toxic sources of raw materials.

    “It is made from renewable and non-toxic sources of raw materials [79].”

    From Resorbable Biomaterials Used for 3D Scaffolds in Tissue Engineering: A Review (2023) · cites this paper as [79]

    The Introduction states that PLA is derived from renewable resources. Section 7 (Application) describes PLA and PBS as having low toxicity, but it does not say their raw-material sources are non-toxic. No page numbers are available in our copy. (LLM, conf=0.86)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

  • PLA biodegrades under industrial composting conditions.

    “Moreover, PLA can be produced from renewable resources and biodegrades under industrial composting conditions [7].”

    From Uncompatibilized PBAT/PLA Blends: Manufacturability, Miscibility and Properties (2020) · cites this paper as [7]

  • PLA can be produced from renewable resources.

    “Moreover, PLA can be produced from renewable resources and biodegrades under industrial composting conditions [7].”

    From Uncompatibilized PBAT/PLA Blends: Manufacturability, Miscibility and Properties (2020) · cites this paper as [7]

  • The modulus of elasticity is about 3500 MPa for PLA.

    “and 3500 MPa for PLA [7].”

    From Uncompatibilized PBAT/PLA Blends: Manufacturability, Miscibility and Properties (2020) · cites this paper as [7]

    The Conclusions (page unavailable) say that blending PLA with PBS decreases modulus relative to neat PLA, but give no modulus value for PLA. Searches for “3500 MPa,” “3.5 GPa,” and PLA’s modulus of elasticity found no passage in our copy establishing the claimed figure. (LLM, conf=0.72)

    Experimental — accuracy not yet measured

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Authors
Su, S., Kopitzky, R., Tolga, S., & Kabasci, S.
Affiliations
Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT (DE)
Corresponding author
Su, Shen
ORCID
Venue
Polymers
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2019-07-17
Volume
11
Issue
7
Pages
1193
ISSN
2073-4360 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/polym11071193
PMC
PMC6680981
OpenAlex
W2956443890
Cited by
380
References
62
Citations by year
2026: 39 · 2025: 61 · 2024: 57 · 2023: 69 · 2022: 61 · 2021: 55 · 2020: 33 · 2019: 5
FWCI
2.45
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Polymers (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Publikationsdatenbank der Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
  • Fraunhofer-Publica (Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Biomaterials › biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Polymer crystallization and properties
  • Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites
Keywords
polylactic acid, poly(butylene succinate), polymer blends, blend compatibility, toughening, plasticization, reactive compatibilization, copolymerization, stereocomplexation, nucleation, crystallization, biodegradation, disintegration, bio-based polymers, recycling, process parameters

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