Synthesis and Controlled Cross-Linking of Polymers Derived from Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

The ROMP of 5-methacryloyl-1-cyclooctene and the copolymerization of this monomer with cyclooctadiene were investigated to produce polymers with cross-linkable side chains. The impact of concentration, monomer to catalyst ratio, and the amount of inhibitor in the polymerization was examined. These polymers were cross-linked through the methacrylate side chains with either thermal or photochemical initiation, and the incorporation of these polymers into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) to produce AB cross-linked materials was accomplished. A comparison of the physical properties of PMMA and these new materials demonstrated that these materials had higher thermal stability and solvent resistance than pure PMMA.