Abstract: Solution and RIM polymerization of cycloolefins containing at least one norbornene moiety is carried out in the presence of a methathesis catalyst system and an activator, particularly a chlorosilane activator, to obtain faster reaction with higher conversions at lower mold temperatures. The methathesis catalyst system includes an organoammonium molybdate or tungstate catalyst and an alkylaluminum or an alkylaluminum halide cocatalyst. The chlorosilane activator is used at a level of 0.05 to 10 millimoles per mole of the cycloolefin monomers. The polymers of cycloolefins can be impact modified and/or flame-retarded.

Abstract: In an active magnetic regenerator apparatus having a regenerator bed of material exhibiting the magnetocaloric effect, flow of heat transfer fluid through the bed is unbalanced, so that more fluid flows through the bed from the hot side of the bed to the cold side than from the cold side to the hot side. The excess heat transfer fluid is diverted back to the hot side of the bed. The diverted fluid may be passed through a heat exchanger to draw heat from a fluid to be cooled. The apparatus may be operated at cryogenic temperatures, and the heat transfer fluid may be helium gas and the fluid to be cooled may be hydrogen gas, which is liquified by the device. The apparatus can be formed in multiple stages to allow a greater span of cooling temperatures than a single stage, and each stage may be comprised of two bed parts.

Abstract: Dielectric supports for electronic components, such as circuit boards, are provided which are comprised of two or more bulk polymerized norbornene-type monomers. The monomers may be easily processed into circuit boards, etc. by reaction injection molding. The copolymers obtained exhibit high heat distortion temperatures and good dielectric properties and a balance of properties that make them, for example, well suited for molded wire board materials.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of microencapsulated blowing agents in the bulk polymerization of cycloolefin monomers by ring-opening polymerization. These microencapsulated blowing agents aid in filling molds during reaction injection molding procedures such that both surfaces of the article being molded remain in contact with their respective mold surfaces eliminating sink marks in these surfaces. In addition, the microencapsulants may be introduced at higher levels which provide structural foams with the polymers from cycloolefin monomers.

Abstract: Methods of preparing storage stable components useful for metathesis bulk polymerization of cycloolefin monomers are provided. These components contain cycloolefins with norbornene-functional groups and cocatalysts activated with a halometal compound. In these methods, the cocatalyst is completely formed before the halometal activator is added to prevent the formation of unwanted hydrogen halides, which catalyze undesired crosslinking reactions which destabilize the cocatalyst component. Bulk polymerization systems are provided wherein these storage stable cocatalyst components are paired with catalyst components that together form the complete metathesis catalyst system. For some embodiments, storage stability is aided by the removal of water.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the use of microencapsulated blowing agents in the bulk polymerization of cycloolefin monomers by ring-opening polymerization. These microencapsulated blowing agents aid in filling molds during reaction injection molding procedures such that both surfaces of the article being molded remain in contact with their respective mold surfaces eliminating sink marks in these surfaces. In addition, the microencapsulants may be introduced at higher levels which provide structural foams with the polymers from cycloolefin monomers.