Crystallization behavior of PCL in hybrid confined environment

Abstract

Poly(ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) and silica (SiO 2) organic–inorganic hybrid materials have been synthesized by the sol–gel method. The crystallization behavior of PCL in silica networks has been investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The degree of PCL crystallinity in PCL/SiO 2 hybrid networks reduces with increase of SiO 2. PCL is in an amorphous state when the concentration of PCL is lower than 40wt% in the hybrid system. The melting point of PCL in the networks is lower than, but close to that of pure PCL. WAXD and SEM results show that the crystalline behavior of PCL in PCL/ SiO 2 hybrid system is strictly confined.