Polycaprolactone (PCL)
Synonyms: Polycaprolactone
CAS No: 24980-41-4
Appearance: White particles
End Group: Acid, Ester and Hydroxyl group for options
Minimal order quantity: 30 gram
Polycaprolactone is a versatile biodegradable polyester known for its exceptional flexibility, low melting point, and controlled degradation profile. This semi-crystalline polymer offers an impressive combination of processability and mechanical properties that make it valuable across numerous industries and applications.
Our high-quality polycaprolactone features excellent biocompatibility and a predictable degradation timeline, typically ranging from 2-4 years depending on molecular weight and environmental conditions. This extended degradation period makes it particularly suitable for long-term drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and implantable medical devices requiring prolonged structural integrity.
The low melting temperature of polycaprolactone (around 60°C) provides unique advantages in manufacturing and processing. It can be easily molded, extruded, or 3D printed at relatively low temperatures, allowing for incorporation of temperature-sensitive compounds like pharmaceuticals and bioactive agents without degradation.
Our polycaprolactone demonstrates superior compatibility with various other polymers, creating opportunities for blending to achieve customized material properties. This characteristic, combined with its excellent solubility in common organic solvents, makes it highly adaptable for diverse fabrication techniques including electrospinning, solution casting, and injection molding.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
PCL has much slower degradation than PGA and PLA, offering longer-lasting support in biomedical applications. It is also more flexible and tougher than PLA, making it ideal for soft tissue engineering.
Yes, medical-grade PCL is FDA-approved for certain biomedical uses, such as implants and controlled drug release systems.
Yes, PCL is soluble in chloroform, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and other organic solvents, but it is insoluble in water.
Yes, PCL can be blended with PLLA, PLGA, PEG, or ε-caprolactone to increase or decrease the degradation rate for specific applications.
Yes, PCL can be sterilized using ethylene oxide (EtO) gas or gamma irradiation. However, autoclaving is not recommended due to its low melting point.
Yes, PCL is widely used in hot-melt adhesives due to its low melting point and strong adhesion.
Yes, PCL is used for biodegradable coatings, including drug-eluting stents, medical devices, and controlled-release films.
PCL has a shelf life of 24–36 months under proper storage conditions.