A convenient method to fabricate porous cross-linked PCL membrane by using dual pore-forming agents

We report here a simple but practical method to prepare crosslinked PCL membranes by using dual pore forming agents. Their porosities, section morphologies, melting behaviors and mechanical properties are evaluated. The results show that the membranes have a pore size close to 5 mu m, and the porosities are maintained 70-80%. The mechanical properties show the membranes have improved Young's modules compared to the membranes obtained by some other methods. Notably, the second pore-forming agent, PEG, improves interconnectivity as well as surface roughness and makes the membrane thickness controllable conveniently. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.