Poly(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.
Compliance & Regulations
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Compressive Strength(σc) | 0.1305 | ksi | — | ||
Elongation at Break(εf) | 800 | - | — | ||
Ultimate Tensile Strength(σUTS) | 2.947 | ksi | — | ||
Young's Modulus(E) | 15.88 | ksi | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Glass Transition Temperature(Tg) | -72.04 | °F | — | ||
Melting Point / Solidus(Tm) | 140 | °F | — | ||
Maximum Service Temperature(Tmax) | 706.9 | °F | — | ||
Thermal Conductivity(k) | 57.93 | BTU/(hr·ft·°F) | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Band Gap(Eg) | 3.000 | eV | — |
| Property | Value | Unit | Conditions | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Refractive Index(n) | 1.500 | - | — |