Epoxy functionalized cycloolefin polymers by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

Epoxy functionalized dicyclopentadiene (epoxy-DCPD) was synthesized and polymerized to epoxy functionalized cycloolefin polymers (COPs) through ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using a Grubbs catalyst (G1) followed by hydrogenation with Pd/C catalysts. A linear relationship between the monomer/catalyst feed ratio and the molecular weight of the polymers indicated that the polymerization proceeded in a controlled manner. The free-standing film of the hydrogenated polymer showed excellent transparency with a T-g of 167 degrees C. Post-polymerization modification of the COPs transformed the epoxy functional groups of the polymer to hydroxy ester functional groups, providing an effective and facile route to synthesize COPs having various functional groups.