Polybutylene Succinate (PBS) – Polycaprolactone (PCL) Blends Compatibilized with Poly(ethylene oxide)-<i>block</i>-poly(propylene oxide)-<i>block</i>-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) Copolymer for Biomaterial Applications

Abstract

This study reports the preparation and characterization of Polybutylene Succinate (PBS)-Polycaprolactone (PCL) melt blends (10–40 wt.% PCL) in the presence of a compatibilizer, in order to explore their potential use as a biomaterial. The thermal transitions, as well as the crystallinity of the polymer blends were analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, the thermomechanical properties were analyzed via Dynamic Mechanical Analysis and phase morphologies were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Degradation profiles of the blends were analyzed in PBS buffer solution at pH 7.4 at 37°C via pH measurements. Cytotoxicity of the PBS/PCL films were tested by MTS assay.