PCL
Polycaprolactone
Glass Transition (Tg)
-60 °C
Melting Point (Tm)
58–63 °C
Density
1.14–1.15 g/cm³
CAS Number
24980-41-4
Recycling Code
♺ 7
Category
Biodegradable
Repeat Unit
–[O–(CH₂)₅–CO]ₙ–
The repeating unit is the smallest structural fragment whose repetition builds the whole chain. Subscripts show the relative share of each unit in copolymers.
Key Properties
Very low Tm makes it mouldable by hand in hot water; extremely slow degradation (2–4 years); highly miscible with many polymers and an excellent plasticiser/toughener for PLA.
Applications
Long-term implants, shape-memory blends, hobby thermoplastic, scaffolds.