Cycloolefin Polymer(COP) Synthesis with Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

Abstract

A new engineering plastic, cycloolefin polymer (COP) has excellent optical properties as well as good mechanical, flow properties. The major potential applications of COP are substrates for next-generation high density DVDs, flat-panel displays and plastic optical fibers. In this study, ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornene (NB) and tetracyclododecene (TCD) monomer was carried out using various catalysts. The catalysts includes a Zigler-type catalyst of titalnium tetrahalide, metathesis - type catalyst of hexacholoride tungsten, and 1st generation Grubbs catalysts. Polymerization yield above 90% can be obtained without gelation by controlling polymerization conditions.