Preparing poly (caprolactone) micro-particles through solvent-induced phase separation

Poly (caprolactone) (PCL) micro-particles with the size distribution from 1 to 100 mu m were prepared through solvent-induced phase separation, in which polyvinyl-alcohol (PVA) was used as the matrix-forming polymer to stabilize PCL micro-particles. The cloud point data of PCL-acetone-water was determined by the titration method. PCL-acetone and PVA-water solutions, PCL-PVA gel, and PCL micro-particles suspension were recorded by a digital camera. The morphology of PCL-PVA suspension and PCL micro-particles were observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The size distribution of PCL micro-particles was investigated by a particle size analyzer. Results from a differential scanning calorimeter indicated that the main interaction between PCL and PVA was mediated through hydrogen bonding. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.