During the resorbable-polymer-boom of the 1970s and 1980s, polycaprolactone (PCL) was used in the biomaterials field and a number of drug-delivery devices. Its popularity was soon superseded by faster resorbable polymers which had fewer perceived disadvantages associated with long term degradation (up to 3-4 years) and intracellular resorption pathways; consequently, PCL was almost forgotten for most of two decades. Recently, a resurgence of interest has propelled PCL back into the biomaterials-arena. The superior rheological and viscoelastic properties over many of its aliphatic polyester counterparts renders PCL easy to manufacture and manipulate into a large range of implants and devices. Coupled with relatively inexpensive production routes and FDA approval, this provides a promising platform for the production of longer-term degradable implants which may be manipulated physically, chemically and biologically to possess tailorable degradation kinetics to suit a specific anatomical site. This review will discuss the application of PCL as a biomaterial over the last two decades focusing on the advantages which have propagated its return into the spotlight with a particular focus on medical devices, drug delivery and tissue engineering.

The return of a forgotten polymer : Polycaprolactone in the 21st century

Recent developments within the topic of biomaterials has taken hold of researchers due to the mounting concern of current environmental pollution as well as scarcity resources. Amongst all compatible biomaterials, polycaprolactone (PCL) is deemed to be a great potential biomaterial, especially to the tissue engineering sector, due to its advantages, including its biocompatibility and low bioactivity exhibition. The commercialization of PCL is deemed as infant technology despite of all its advantages. This contributed to the disadvantages of PCL, including expensive, toxic, and complex. Therefore, the shift towards the utilization of PCL as an alternative biomaterial in the development of biocomposites has been exponentially increased in recent years. PCL-based biocomposites are unique and versatile technology equipped with several importance features. In addition, the understanding on the properties of PCL and its blend is vital as it is influenced by the application of biocomposites. The superior characteristics of PCL-based green and hybrid biocomposites has expanded their applications, such as in the biomedical field, as well as in tissue engineering and medical implants. Thus, this review is aimed to critically discuss the characteristics of PCL-based biocomposites, which cover each mechanical and thermal properties and their importance towards several applications. The emergence of nanomaterials as reinforcement agent in PCL-based biocomposites was also a tackled issue within this review. On the whole, recent developments of PCL as a potential biomaterial in recent applications is reviewed.

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Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polycaprolactone Green and Hybrid Biocomposites for Various Advanced Applications

The paper comprehensively reviews durable polylactic acid (PLA)-based engineered blends and biocomposites supporting a low carbon economy. The traditional fossil fuel derived nonrenewable durable p...

Durable Polylactic Acid (PLA)-Based Sustainable Engineered Blends and Biocomposites: Recent Developments, Challenges, and Opportunities

Chemical, physical and biological methods to convert lignocellulosic waste into value-added products. A review

Poly(ε‐caprolactone): A potential polymer for biodegradable food packaging applications

This research aimed to evaluate the influence of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) compatibilizer in the polystyrene blends properties with a recycled styrene–butadiene rubber compound. The SBS conte...

Incorporation of a recycled rubber compound from the shoe industry in polystyrene: Effect of SBS compatibilizer content:

Biocomposites processed with polycaprolactone (PCL) and macaiba fiber (MF) were melting extruded in this work with MF content ranging from 10% to 20%. MF was naturally added to PCL as also chemically treated with maleic anhydride (MA), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), and 3-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (Silane). Afterwards biocomposite were thermally, spectroscopically, mechanically and morphologically characterized. From the gathered results, higher thermal stability was observed for biocomposites upon higher MF content, regarding the chemical treatment MA presented the best performance whereas NaOH the lowest, similar trend was also verified with mechanical behavior. From contact angle and water absorption results it was suggested macaiba oil exudation to the surface acts decreasing interaction with water and, therefore, increasing the contact angle, while the added MF provide more opened structure which favors the water entrance, whereas the time and polarity effects should be recognized, which eases H2O entrance from surface to biocomposites core and improve interactions between PCL matrix and MF, respectively being translated in higher compatible biocomposites. Summing up, biocomposites with 10% of natural or treated macaiba fiber presented the best synergism. MF addition to PCL provides a sustainable alternative to PCL biocomposites, besides supplying the literature with new information on applications of natural and chemically treated macaiba fibers.

Tailored PCL/Macaíba fiber to reach sustainable biocomposites

Polypropylene/wood powder/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride composites: Effect of PP melt flow index on the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, water absorption, and morphological parameters

https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2053-1591/ab131c/pdf

Danilo Diniz Siqueira

Papers

Incorporation of a recycled rubber compound from the shoe industry in polystyrene: Effect of SBS compatibilizer content:

Tailored PCL/Macaíba fiber to reach sustainable biocomposites

Polypropylene/wood powder/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride composites: Effect of PP melt flow index on the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, water absorption, and morphological parameters

Tailoring PS/PPrecycled blends compatibilized with SEBS. Evaluation of rheological, mechanical, thermomechanical and morphological characters

Biocomposites based on PCL and macaiba fiber. Detailed characterization of main properties