Synthesis and characterization of poly(glycerol-co-sebacate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) elastomers

In this study, poly(glycerol-co-sebacate-co-epsilon-caprolactone) (PGSCL) elastomers were synthesized for the first time from the respective monomers. The structural analysis of PGSCL elastomers by nuclear magnetic resonance (H-1-NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the elastomers have a high number of hydrogen bonds and crosslinks. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermal analysis indicated an amorphous state. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis showed that the elastomers has a glass transition temperature (T-g) of -36.96 degrees C. The Young's modulus and compression strength values were calculated as 46.08MPa and 3.192MPa, respectively. Calculations based on acid number and end groups analysis revealed a number average molecular weight of 148.15kDa. Even though the foaming studies conducted by using supercritical CO2 resulted in a porous structure; the obtained morphology tended to disappear after 48h, leaving small cracks on the surface. This phenomenon was interpreted as an indication of self-healing due to the high number of hydrogen bonds. The PGSCL elastomers synthesized in this study are flexible, robust to compression forces and have self-healing capacity. Thanks to good biocompatibility and poor cell-adhesion properties, the elastomers may find diverse applications where a postoperative adhesion barrier is required. Copyright (c) 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.