Characterisation of microcellular foams produced from semi-crystalline PCL using supercritical carbon dioxide

Microcellular foams were produced from polycaprolactone (PCL) using a method based on the rapid release of supercritical CO2. The average pore size in the structure was found to vary with the selected vent time and the final microstructure was a combination of open and closed cells. Thermal analysis showed that the degree of crystallinity of all foams was in the region of 70%. This was found to be consistent with the observation of lamellar textures on the inner surface of the pores. There was also a pronounced decrease in compressive modulus with increasing vent time and average pore size.