ABSTRACT
The formation of novel Polycaprolactone (PCL) copolymers, blends, and composites is used to broaden the versatility and applicability of the polymer. In the last decade, PCL copolymers, blends, and composites have been investigated well to tune their characteristics and properties. The review highlights thermal, mechanical, rheological, structural, electrical, shape memory, and degradation properties. Their biodegradability and modified properties make it an environment-friendly material to be used in various fields including biomedical, packaging, self-healing, coatings, oil-water separation, photo-thermal absorption and plant grafting. The commercial products based on polycaprolactone are listed in this review. Further, future recommendations for new research directions are provided.
Graphical Abstract
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest is reported by the author(s).
List of abbrevations
PCL | = | Polycaprolactone |
ROP | = | Ring opening polymerization |
RROP | = | Radical ring opening polymerization |
RAFT | = | Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain-Transfer |
MDO | = | 2-Methylene-1,3dioxepane |
IPN | = | Interpenetrating polymer network |
PLA | = | Polylactic acid |
PLLA | = | Poly L-lactide acid |
HCA | = | Hydroxycinnamic acid |
CNT | = | Carbon nano-tubes |
MWCNT | = | Multi walled carbon nano-tubes |
Tm | = | Meting temperature |
Tc | = | Crystallization temperature |
Tg | = | Glass transition temperature |
TSMP | = | Thermoresponsive shape memory polymers |
HNT | = | Halloysite nanotubes |
Mn | = | Number average moleculer weight |
E | = | Youngs modulus |
TS | = | Tensile strength |
h-MoO3 | = | Hexagonal molybdenum oxide |
Tcm | = | Crystalline melting temperature |
HA | = | Hydroxyapatite |
SiC | = | Silicon carbide |
PVB | = | Polyvinyl butyrate |
PVAC | = | Polyvinyl acetaldehyde |
PGA | = | Polyglycolic acid |
CO2 | = | Carbon dioxide |
PDS | = | Pamidronate |
ZnO | = | Zinc Oxide |
ZnO-CA | = | Citric acid modified ZnO |
NIR | = | Near infrared |
FDA | = | Food and Drug Administration |
POEGMA | = | Poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] |
PmCbA | = | Carborane |
ADH | = | Adult Human Dermal |
TiO2 | = | Titanium dioxide |
PGA | = | Polyglycolic acid |
TPU | = | Thermoplastic polyurethane |
MMT | = | Montmorillonite |
PHB | = | Polyhydroxybutyrate |
IBOA | = | Isobornyl acrylate |
FGO | = | Functionalised graphene oxide |
OWPU | = | Waterborne polyurethane nanocomposite |
HTPB | = | hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene |
PTHF | = | Polytetrahydrofuran |
NaCl | = | Sodium Chloride |
Correction Statement
This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Radha Sachan
Radha Sachan did her Bachelor in Paint technology. After working in Chemical Industries for 6+ years she returned to academia. She did her Masters in Polymer Technology from Delhi Technology University and currently pursuing Ph. D. from Delhi Technological University in Discipline of Polymer Science and Technology. Her research interest includes structure-property relationship of polymeric material.
Sudhir G. Warkar
Dr. S. G. Warkar is a Professor & Head of Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University. His areas of interest are biopolymer-based superabsorbent hydrogels and its applications in the field of agriculture, water enrichment, drug delivery, biodegradable polymers and benziporphyrins. He has 28 publications in reputed and high impact journals in last five years, and also presented his work in several national and international conferences. He is a life member of Indian Society of technical Education and reviewer of many journals of International repute.
Roli Purwar
Dr. Roli Purwar is currently working as Professor in the discipline of Polymer Science and Chemical Technology, Department of Applied Chemistry, Delhi Technological University. She has developed two technologies namely “Acrylic based formulations for floor” & “Formulation for improving the impact properties of recycled polypropylene and transferred to industries. She has three patents (3 Indian and 1 US) and published more than 60 papers in Journal of International repute and in Proceeding of national/International Conferences.