PCL | Polycaprolactone - Thermoplastic polymers, elastomers and additives

PCL | Polycaprolactone

PCL (Policaprolactona - 1,7-polioxepan-2-one - 2-oxepanone or 6-caprolactone)
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is another biodegradable polymer, of fossil origin. Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biodegradable plastic made from petroleum. It consists of a sequence of methylene units, including ester groups are formed. Through this very simple structure, a slightly limited rotation of the individual segments of the chain is possible, leading to a point very low glass transition temperature (-60 ° C). It is a semicrystalline polymer with a melting point of 58-60 ° C.
Properties PCL
high molecular weight relatively low cost multiple applications Compatible with many materials Bio-assimilable Hydrophobic Good adhesion to a wide variety of substrates Easily pigmented and colored breathable Greaseproof Moisture resistant
Products range PCL
The PCL is usually used in mixtures with starch such as PLA, wherein the polycaprolactone improves moisture resistance, increased melt strength and helps to plasticize the starch.
Thermal properties PCL
PCL has a very low glass transition temperature (-60 ° C). It is a semicrystalline polymer with a melting point of 58-60 ° C, low viscosity.
Physical properties
Polycaprolactone (PCL) provides biocompatibility, biodegradability, mechanical properties and structural stability, but tienebaja bioactivity and surface energy due to its high hydrophobicity. At room temperature, polycaprolactone short chain is amorphous and correspondingly soft and gummy. Due to the uniform structure, however, it is readily crystallized, resulting in increased material. Crystalline polycaprolactone resembles polyethylene in the crystal structure. PCL is highly miscible and blends well with other plastics, as well as lignin and starch. In addition, a large number of surfaces adheres well. Their preparation is simpler than other biopolymers, it melts easily and is not toxic.
Chemical properties PCL
Polycaprolactones impart good resistance to water, oil, solvents and chlorine in the produced polyurethane.
Procesabilidad PCL
Polycaprolactone (PCL) is an aliphatic polyester semicrystalline synthetic biocompatible and bio-assimilated, with a melting temperature of about 60 ° C, ests temperatures are quite low compared with other polymers with similar properties, therefore, ease of processing PCL is very high.
Polimerizaction PCL
The two main methods for producing polycaprolactone: polycondensation of a hydroxycarboxylic acid (6-hydroxyhexanoic acid) and ring opening polymerization (ROP) of a lactone: ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), which is read as Epsilon Caprolactone , using a catalyst such as octanoate tin. It is preferred (ROP) as it no small molecule is eliminated or no side product is formed. This reduces the number of reactors to be used in industrial applications. The monomer must be dried and the catalyst most widely used on an industrial scale (ROP) is stannous octoate (stannous octanoate or). The required temperature is 175 ° C. Agitation is applied continuously during the polymerization and a stream of inert gas is constantly washed. The reaction time is set by the investigator. The product will melt may be extruded or pelleted after the way you want.
Applications PCL
Finds applications in adhesives, compatibilizers and films as well as in medicine. The most common use of polycaprolactone as an additive is in the production of special polyurethanes. Polycaprolactones impart good resistance to water, oil, solvents and chlorine in the produced polyurethane. Finds applications in adhesives, compatibilizers and films as well as in medicine. The PCL is often used as an additive for other polymers. And by having a low melting point, it is used as a plastic can be molded by hand, useful for prototyping, repair plastic parts and handicrafts. He has also received considerable attention for use as a biomaterial for implants in the human body.
Keywords
Policaprolactona, PCL , polímero, biodegradable