Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization is well known for its robustness on simplicity of reaction conditions, tolerance on functionality and achievement of high molecular weight. Thus it would be a desirable platform to prepare tailored polymers toward specific applications. This presentation will summarize our efforts in utilizing ROMP toward bioplastics and ionomer membranes. We have prepared ultrahigh molecular weight norbornene homopolymers and pentablock copolymers containing natural biomass with enhanced mechanical properties by overcoming lower chain entanglement associated with bulky moieties in the polymer side chains. On the other hand, we have designed ionomers with polyethylene-like backbones and metallo-cations. With the aid of ROMP of cyclooctene, a class of stable cobaltocenium-containing ionomers were synthesized as anion-exchange membranes for alkaline fuel cell applications. In both scenarios, ROMP allowed the facile control of compositions of polymers as well as thermomechanical properties of resultant materials.

Facile ring-opening metathesis polymerization toward bioplastics and ionomer membranes

2019 Fall National Meeting

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