Abstract: A single component ionic catalyst consists essentially of an organonickel complex cation, and a weakly coordinating neutral counteranion. The cation is a neutral bidentate ligand removably attached to a Group VIII transition metal in an organometal complex. The ligand is easily displaced by a norbornene-type (NB-type) monomer in an insertion reaction which results in an unexpectedly facile addition polymerization. A NB-type monomer includes NB or substituted NB, or a multi-ringed cycloolefin having more than three rings in which one or more of the rings has a structure derived from NB, and a ring may have an alicyclic alkyl, alkylene or alkylidene substituent. The insertion reaction results in the formation of a unique propagating species more soluble in a polar than in a non-polar solvent and devoid of an available .beta.-hydrogen for termination. The ensuing propagation of a polymer chain proceeds without measurable unsaturation.

Abstract: A halogenated aluminum-based cocatalyst provides a metathesis catalyst system with high activity, moisture insensitivity, and long pot lives. The cocatalyst can be employed in solution or in in-mold bulk polymerization processes.

Abstract: A process for increasing the molecular weight of cycloolefin monomers is provided by this invention which can be incorporated into ring-opening polymerization methods. This method is particularly suited for bulk polymerization processes but can also be used for solution polymerization processes. By increasing the molecular weight of the cycloolefin monomers, polymers having higher glass transition temperatures are obtained.

Abstract: A highly polymerizable dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) monomer composition is obtained. The dicyclopentadiene so obtained is highly suitable for ring-opening polymerization by metathesis catalysts. The active DCPD yields articles with excellent physical properties upon in-mold polymerization.

Abstract: Alloys of polycycloolefin polymers are produced by dissolving an ethylene-based functional polymer in at least one polycycloolefin monomer and polymerizing the mixture. Various polycycloolefin catalysts can be utilized. Often it is desirable to utilize bulk polymerization including reaction injection molding (RIM), liquid injection molding (LIM), reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), and the like. The alloys have improved properties such as impact strength, solvent resistance, as well as improved thermal aging properties such as retention of impact strength.

Abstract: Alloys of polycycloolefin polymers are produced by dissolving an ethylene-based functional polymer in at least one polycycloolefin monomer and polymerizing the mixture. Various polycycloolefin catalysts can be utilized. Often it is desirable to utilize bulk polymerization including reaction injection molding (RIM), liquid injection molding (LIM), reinforced reaction injection molding (RRIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), and the like. The alloys have improved properties such as impact strength, solvent resistance, as well as improved thermal aging properties such as retention of impact strength.

Abstract: Curable polycycloolefin resin solutions having particular utility in the fabrication of printed circuit boards are disclosed. A solvent soluble polymer is typically solution polymerized from norbornene-type monomers in the presence of a metathesis catalyst package. This polymer may then be purified by precipitation and redissolution. A curing agent, such as a high activation temperature peroxide can then be added to the solution and then this curing agent containing solution can be used to impregnate a suitable substrate such as a fiberglass cloth. The impregnated substrate can then be dried, preferably at temperatures above the glass transition temperature of the polycycloolefin but below the activation temperature of the curing agent. Then one or more prepregs can be stacked and laminated to conductive foil at a temperature high enough to activate the curing agent.

Abstract: Substantially optically clear molding compositions comprising polymerized cycloolefin monomers (e.g., norbornene-type polymers) which, subsequent to polymerization have been hydrogenated are provided. The polymers have a weight average molecular weight of from about 37-47.times.10.sup.3.

Abstract: A reaction solution comprising a mixture of tricyclopentadiene, a norbornene monomer with at least 3 rings in its backbone, a 5-alkenyl-2-norbornene pot life adjusting agent along with a molybdenum type catalyst system gives prolonged pot life without extending time to exotherm (e.g., smoking time). By utilizing this reaction solution it is possible to bulk polymerize reinforced or unreinforced articles in a mold via ring-opening polymerization. Articles so obtained have good outward appearance and excellent physical properties.

Abstract: A method for dispersing a second polymer within a first polymer is disclosed, the polymers being mutually miscible and when blended exhibit lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type behavior. The first and second polymers are blended together at a temperature for easy processing and then phase separated at a temperature above the LCST of the blended polymer pair. The phase separated polymers are then cooled to a temperature wherein the polymer pair become fixed in the phase separated state.

Abstract: Product comprising a ring-opened base polymer of at least one norbornene-type monomer and a thin polymer film on at least a portion of said base polymer of a vinylidene chloride polymer or an unsaturated nitrile polymer whereby the product has improved weatherability and reduced odor. The method of making the product is characterized by applying the polymer film from an organic solution of a vinylidene chloride resin or an unsaturated nitrile resin and then drying the coating to remove the organic solvent.

Abstract: Integrally molded lightweight composite articles having a foam core and a ring-opened polynorbornene outer layer are prepared by placing a low forming ratio foam core having an integral outer skin in a mold and polymerizing a norbornene type monomer around the core.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a novel cocatalyst in ring opening polymerization of a cycloolefin containing a norbornene moiety in conjunction with a metathesis catalyst, said cocatalyst is selected from aluminum-siloxalanes, aluminum-stannoxalanes, aluminum-germoxalanes, aluminum-plumboxalanes, dialuminoxanes, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention herein is directed to article and process for making it. The article is characterized by a substrate composed of a ring-opened polymer of a norbornene-type monomer having tricyclic or higher cyclic structure and a polymer sheet tenaciously adhering to the substrate. The process includes the steps of positioning the polymer sheet in a mold, flowing the monomer in a liquid state in a plurality of streams into the mold, polymerizing the monomer in the mold by ring-opening of the monomer, and removing the article from the mold with the polymer sheet on at least one outer surface thereof.

Abstract: Described herein is an oily, transparent reaction product which is prepared by heat treating at 110.degree.-220.degree. C. a dicyclopentadiene and a vinyl aromatic compound. This reaction product can be polymerized by ring-opening in presence or absence of a norbornene monomer to produce a thermoset polymer. Freezing point of the reaction product is below 10.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for dispersing a second polymer within a first polymer is disclosed, the polymers being mutually miscible and when blended exhibit lower critical solution temperature (LCST) type behavior. The first and second polymers are blended together at a temperature for easy processing and then phase separated at a temperature above the LCST of the blended polymer pair. The phase separated polymers are then cooled to a temperature wherein the polymer pair become fixed in the phase separated state.

Abstract: A method of producing a pore-free polynorbornene article having thick-walled portions is provided. The method comprises providing a monomer charge containing at least one norbornene monomer having a tricyclic or higher cyclic structure; introducing the monomer charge into a mold at a temperature greater than the inside mold temperature; polymerizing the monomer charge under pressure via a ring-opening catalyst system; cooling the molded article; and removing the molded article from the mold.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composite molded article where a polymer film of superior weather resistance, adhesion and surface smoothness is made into an integral composite body on the surface of polynorbornene base material by utilizing reaction injection molding in combination with an in-mold coating process. By means of this invention, it is possible to manufacture three dimensional composite molded articles, composite molded articles of complex shapes and deep-drawn composite molded articles. The composite molded articles of this invention can be used for a variety of purposes, such as automobile parts, electrical parts, construction, etc.

Abstract: A product is disclosed which comprises a ring-opened base polymer of at least one norbornene-type monomer and a thin polymer film on at least a portion of said base polymer of a vinylidene chloride polymer or an unsaturated nitrile polymer whereby the product has improved weatherability and reduced odor. The method of making the product is characterized by applying the polymer film from an organic solution of a vinylidene chloride resin or an unsaturated nitrile resin and then drying the coating to remove the organic solvent.

Abstract: Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resins when crosslinked have improved melt strength in comparison with non-crosslinked chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resins. Moreover, the crosslinked chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resins have unexpected improved processing properties such as reduced processing torgue in comparison with crosslinked polyvinyl chloride resins which upon crosslinking exhibit increased processing torque. Various amounts of non-crosslinked chlorinated polyvinyl chloride and/or non-crosslinked polyvinyl chloride which does not affect said improved properties can be blended with the cross-linked chlorinated polyvinyl chloride resins.