Crystallization behavior of PCL in hybrid confined environment

Poly(epsilon -caprolactone) (PCL) and silica (SiO2) organic-inorganic hybri d materials have been synthesized by the sol-gel method. The crystallizatio n behavior of PCL in silica networks has been investigated using differenti al scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The d egree of PCL crystallinity in PCL/SiO2 hybrid networks reduces with increas e of SiO2. PCL is in an amorphous state when the concentration of PCL is lo wer than 40wt% in the hybrid system. The melting point of PCL in the networ ks is lower than, but close to that of pure PCL. WAXD and SEM results show that the crystalline behavior of PCL in PCL/SiO2 hybrid system is strictly confined. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.