PBS, or polybutylene succinate, is a thermoplastic polyester. It is derived from the condensation of two monomers: succinic acid and 1,4-butanediol. PBS is used in a wide variety of applications due to its good mechanical properties, high heat resistance, and low moisture absorption. PBS has a glass transition temperature of around 130°C and a melting temperature of 260-270°C. It is insoluble in water but can be dissolved in some organic solvents such as acetone or methylene chloride.
PBS was first synthesized in the early 1950s by German chemist Hermann Staudinger. However, it was not until the 1970s that commercial production of PBS began. Since then, PBS has been used extensively in engineering applications such as automotive parts, electrical insulation, and consumer goods. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in using PBS as a biodegradable plastic. This is because PBS breaks down into harmless substances such as CO2 and water when exposed to microorganisms present in soil or water.