Effect of photodegradation ageing on the performance of biopolybutylene succinate

The environmental pollution is a serious problem for our planet. Therefore, bioplastics obtained from renewable resource represent an ideal alternative to traditional fossil plastics. As known, plastics from renewable sources degrade rapidly in the soil, even in just a few months, while fossil-based plastics degrade over thousands of years, causing problems of disposal and pollution if not properly recovered after use. Polyolefins are among the most widespread plastics worldwide and are applied in most production sectors (from medical to everyday life). To replace traditional polyethylene, such as the low-density grade (LDPE), one possible bioplastic obtained from renewable sources could be the Bio-Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) for the similar physic-mechanical feature. As has largely emerged from the recently concluded pandemic, an important aspect of materials in general is that of the possible sterilization in the "bio" application sectors. In this work we therefore studied the action of UVC rays, used as a sterilizing source, on PBS-based bioplastics. The results indicate that the polymer matrix changes its bulk and surface properties after exposure to UVC rays. However, several sterilization cycles are possible before irreversibly compromising the material. Further developments of the material formulation will be discussed.