poly(ε-caprolactone)
polymerPoly(ε-caprolactone) is a semi-crystalline aliphatic polyester synthesized from the six-carbon caprolactone monomer, notable for its low melting point, high ductility, and biodegradability over extended timescales. It is widely used in biomedical devices (sutures, scaffolds, drug delivery systems), flexible films, and adhesives where its combination of processability and slow enzymatic degradation offers distinct advantages over petroleum-based plastics. Engineers select PCL when a balance between mechanical compliance, thermal workability, and controlled degradation is needed, particularly in applications requiring FDA or ISO biocompatibility clearance.
biodegradable medical suturestissue engineering scaffoldscontrolled-release drug deliveryflexible films and tubingbioresorbable implantsadhesives and coatings
Compliance & Regulations
?UL 94?Conflict Free?RoHS?REACH?TSCA?Prop 65
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compressive Strength(σc) | — | ksi | — | — | |
Elongation at Break(εf) | — | - | — | — | |
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | — | ksi | — | — | |
Young's Modulus(E) | — | ksi | — | — |
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) | — | °F | — | — | |
Melting Point / Solidus(Tm) | — | °F | — | — | |
Maximum Service Temperature(Tmax) | — | °F | — | — | |
Thermal Conductivity(k) | — | BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | — | — |
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg) | — | eV | — | — |
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Refractive Index(n) | — | - | — | — |
Verified Unverified Low confidence (<80%) Link to source
Regulatory Screening
Environmental
Safety & Biocompatibility
RoHS, REACH, and Prop 65 statuses are validated against official substance lists (ECHA SVHC Candidate List, OEHHA Prop 65, RoHS Annex II). Other regulations are estimated from composition and material classification. All screening is a starting point for due diligence — always verify with your supplier before making compliance decisions.