Abstract: Investment casting compositions are provided including: a) at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer; b) a hydroxyl-functional poly(alkylene carbonate) polymer; c) a free-radical initiator; and d) a catalyst that aids in thermal decomposition of the hydroxyl-functional poly(alkylene carbonate) polymer. Methods of using the investment casting compositions are also provided, including: a) forming at least one investment casting pattern from an investment casting composition; b) investing the at least one investment casting pattern with at least one ceramic slurry to form a mold shell; and c) heating the mold shell to initiate decomposition of the hydroxyl-functional poly(alkylene carbonate) polymer and to form a ceramic mold. Use of these investment casting compositions tends to result in little to no cracking of the mold shell as well as allowing for significant removal of the investment casting pattern from the mold shell, upon heating of the mold shell.