Characterization of biodegradable PCL-PEO co-networks

Biodegradable SMPs are exciting materials based on a combination of controlled degradation and triggered actuation. In this study we aimed to synthesize a biocompatible material with good shape memory properties using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polycaprolactone (PCL). The tunable thermal and mechanical properties were achieved by varying polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) composition. Surface degradation was induced by immersing the co-network system into lipase-containing medium. The results showed slower degradation with incorporation of polyethylene oxide (PEO). Furthermore, the samples with high polyethylene oxide (PEO) content sample showed increase in water uptake.