Dicyclopentadiene is a currently underutilized by-product of ethylene production and can create notoriously tough and stiff thermosets. The kinetics of ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of dicyclopentadiene with various Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst loadings were explored using differential scanning calorimetry and rheology.  The effects of the catalyst loading and methods of improving the catalyst solubility on the reaction kinetics and gelation time were probed. The tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and fracture toughness of the polymers were explored.

Cure kinetics of dicyclopentadiene and 2nd generation Grubbs catalyst via ring opening metathesis polymerization

245th National Meeting (2013)

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