Structure and properties of poly(ε-caprolactone) networks with modulated water uptake

A PCL macromonomer was obtained by the reaction of PCL diol with methacrylic anhydride. The effective incorporation of the polymerizable end groups was assessed by FT-IR and H-1 NMR spectroscopy. PCL networks were then prepared by photopolymerization of the PCL macromonomer. Furthermore, the macromonomer was copolymerized with HEA, with the aim of tailoring the hydrophilicity of the system. A set of hydrophilic semicrystalline copolymer networks were obtained. The phase microstructure of the new system and the network architecture was investigated by DSC, IR, DMS, TG, dielectric spectroscopy and water sorption studies. The presence of the hydrophilic units in the system prevented PCL crystallization on cooling; yet there was no effect on the glass transition process. The copolymer networks showed microphase separation and the a relaxation of the HEA units moved to lower temperatures as the amount of PCL in the system increased.