Abstract: A process of forming a bottlebrush polymer includes forming a poly(methylidenelactide) (PML) material from an L-lactide molecule. The process also includes forming a lactide feedstock that includes a blend of a first amount of an L-lactide monomer and a second amount of the PML material. The process further includes polymerizing the lactide feedstock to form a bottlebrush polymer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reaction product obtained by ring-opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene ketones functionalized with the residual portion of a vinyl terminated macromonomer.

Abstract: A block copolymer is provided. The block copolymer according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first block represented by Chemical Formula 1 and a second block represented by Chemical Formula 2: wherein COM1 and COM2 are independently selected from a polystyrene moiety, polymethylmethacrylate moiety, polyethylene oxide moiety, polyvinylpyridine moiety, polydimethylsiloxane moiety, polyferrocenyldimethylsilane moiety, and polyisoprene moiety, R1 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, Ph is a phenyl group, a is 1 to 50, R2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and b is 1 to 50.

Abstract: The invention relates to selected polymer blends which can be used for production of films or sheets having reduced defects, and also to a process for preparation of the polymer blends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition comprising a multiblock polyolefin represented by the formula: PO-(—C?C—Z—)n—C?C-PO*??(I) or PO-(—C—C—Z—)n—C—C-PO*??(Ia) wherein Z is the portion of a cyclic monomer having at least one internal double bond that remains after a ring-opening metathesis reaction; PO and PO* are each independently polyolefins; and n is 1 to 10,000; and a process to produce such comprising contacting an alkene metathesis catalyst with a dimer of vinyl terminated polyolefins, and a cyclic hydrocarbyl monomer comprising at least one internal double bond.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive comprising an olefin polymer composition comprising a first amorphous polymer having a crystallinity of 5% or less, prepared with a first catalyst; and a second crystalline polymer, differing in chemical and physical properties from the first polymer, having a crystallinity of 20% or more, prepared with a second catalyst; and where the olefin polymer composition has a Dot T-Peel of 1 Newton or more on Kraft paper; an Mw of at least 7,000 to 80,000; a branching index (g?) of from 0.4 to 0.90 measured at the Mz of the polymer composition; and a crystallinity of between 5 and 40%.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball material composed of (i) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic resin, (ii) an ionomeric resin and/or an acid-containing polymer which is the base polymer of an ionomeric resin, and (iii) a norbornene dicarboxylic anhydride and/or a derivative thereof. Methods for preparing such a material, and a golf ball which includes as a component therein a part made of the golf ball material are also provided. The golf ball material has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, and can thus be used to obtain high-performance golf balls endowed with an excellent rebound resilience, durability and flexibility.

Abstract: A composition of matter including a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloolefin segment. The polyisobutylene segment and the polycycloolefin segment form a repeating unit multiblock copolymer. A method of forming a composition of matter that includes a polyisobutylene segment and a polycycloolefin segment.

Abstract: A shape memory polymer composition is described comprising greater that 90 wt. % cyclooctene, less than 10 wt. % of a multicyclic diene, comprising at least two cyclo olefinic rings with at least two reactive double bonds, and less than 2 wt. % of a metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: The specification describes a process for making gelled ink resins which exhibit improved properties such as lower viscosity under low shear and less viscosity decrease with increasing shear. In a preferred embodiment, a rosin-based or hydrocarbon-based resin is mixed with an organic solvent and reacted with a polyamine reactant, such as melamine-formaldehyde resin or hexamethylene diamine, under conditions sufficient to produce a substantially covalently cross-link gelled resin. The resulting gelled resin resists viscosity breakdown under high shear conditions and may be used directly for making ink compositions, obviating the need for further gelation and avoiding the use of conventional organo-metallic gelling agents.

Abstract: A method for polymerizing conjugated diene monomer into polydienes, the method comprising: polymerizing conjugated diene monomer within a liquid-phase polymerization mixture that includes conjugated diene monomer, a lanthanide-based catalyst system, dicyclopentadiene or substituted dicyclopentadiene, and optionally organic solvent, with the proviso that the organic solvent, if present, is less than about 20% by weight based on the total weight of the polymerization mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides a golf ball material composed of (i) a non-ionomeric thermoplastic resin, (ii) an ionomeric resin and/or an acid-containing polymer which is the base polymer of an ionomeric resin, and (iii) a norbornene dicarboxylic anhydride and/or a derivative thereof. Methods for preparing such a material, and a golf ball which includes as a component therein a part made of the golf ball material are also provided. The golf ball material has a good thermal stability, flow and processability, and can thus be used to obtain high-performance golf balls endowed with an excellent rebound resilience, durability and flexibility.

Abstract: Styrene-free unsaturated polyester resin compositions are provided which have low volatile organic compounds and hazardous air pollutants emissions when these resin compositions are used in open molding applications. A process for the manufacture of these resin compositions is provided.

Abstract: Polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions incorporating cycloaliphatic units are provided which may be used as a polymeric binders in thermal control coatings for use in space environments. A method is also provided for synthesizing the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions. A method is also provided for synthesizing the monomeric compositions used to make the polyaryleneetherketone triphenylphosphine oxide compositions.

Abstract: A method of room temperature synthesis of magnetic metal oxide nanoclusters within a diblock copolymer matrix includes the step of synthesizing, by ring opening metathesis polymerization technique, a diblock copolymer having a repeat unit ratio m/n, introducing, at room temperature, one or several metal containing precursors into the one block of the diblock copolymer, and processing the metal containing diblock copolymer by wet chemical technique to form nanoclusters of the metal(s) oxide within the diblock copolymer matrix. Specific reaction for synthesis of CoFe3O4 and Co3O4 nanoclusters within diblock copolymers, such as [NOR]m/[NORCOOH]n and [NOR]m/[CO(bTAN)]n, respectively is used in the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An adhesive or coating composition prepared by mixing together at least one metathesizable highly-reactive cycloolefin (e.g., a norbornadiene) and a metathesis catalyst. The use of highly-reactive cycloolefins can provide exceptional adherence to a low-surface-tension substrate. Another embodiment is a two-part adhesive or coating system wherein the first part includes at least one first metathesizable material, and the second part includes at least one liquid metathesis oligomer or polymer and a metathesis catalyst.

Abstract: Thermoplastic molding materials containing the following ingredients with regard to components A-F: A) 5-70 wt. % of at least one graft copolymer A) consisting of a rubber elastic base with a glass transition temperature below 0° and a grafted overlay made of a styrene compound and acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile or mixture thereof in addition to, optionally, other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, B) 29-90 wt. % of a hard copolymer made of at least one styrene compound, acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile or mixtures thereof and, optionally, other monoethylenically unsaturated monomers, C) 0-5 wt. % of at least one three-block copolymer X-Y-X with a middle block Y propylenoxide units and terminal block X made of ethyleneoxide units, D) 0.01-5 wt. % of at least one butylated reaction product of cresol with dicyclopentadiene, E) 0.01-5 wt. % of at least one thiocarboxylic acid ester, F) 0.01-5 wt.

Abstract: A procedure for the production of a modified acrylic sheet with high impact resistance, of the type in which a prepolymerization is done of a mix of monomers with a polymer of dissolved dienic monomers. The procedure is done in batches at low temperatures without there being a separation of the polymer of dienic monomers from the rest of the mix. The procedure facilitates obtaining a modified acrylic sheet with high impact resistance whose transmittance is kept after being subjected to an accelerated degradation, and whose impact properties are not reduced more than 50% after said accelerated degradation.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-methasis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: Polymer having repeating polycarbonate moieties of the formula (I) (Acr)y(A)(Q)(PC)[(Q)(PC)]x(Q)(A)(Acr)y  (I) wherein (Acr)y(A) is the residue of hydroxyalkyl acrylate or hydroxyalkyl methacrylate having an alkyl moiety, A, and where said alkyl, A, has 2 to 5 carbon atoms and wherein Acr is an acrylate or methacrylate moiety; Q is the residue of one or more organic polyisocyantes which are connected with A via a urethane linkage; PC is the residue of an alkylene diol polycarbonate of the formula (II) HO(ROCOO)nROH  (II) R is one or more (C2 to C10) alkylene or one or more (C6 to C12) aromatic group; y is an integer from 1 to 5; x is from 1 to 20; PC and Q are connected via a urethane group. The acrylate terminate polymers are useful for radiation cured coatings which have superior adhesion and reverse impact strength, especially when applied to plastic substrates.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-metathesis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrocarbon/acrylic hybrid resins. In particular, the invention relates to the production of hydrocarbon/acrylic hybrid resin compositions which exhibit properties that make them useful as surface sizing compositions for cellulosic materials.

Abstract: A method for producing a graft copolymer rubber which comprises graft polymerizing an alkenyl aromatic compound to an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin-dicyclopentadiene terpolymer rubber having a Q value of more than 5.0 and Mooney viscosity at 100.degree. C. of 70 or less, in an aqueous suspension in the presence of a free radical initiator and a dispersant, and a polypropylene-based resin composition comprising 5 to 40% by weight of said graft copolymer rubber and 60 to 95% by weight of a polypropylene-based resin(B) selected from the group consisting of a crystalline propylene homopolymer (i) having a Q value of 3.0 to 5.0, isotactic pentad fraction of 0.97 or more and intrinsic viscosity measured in tetralin solution at 135.degree. C. of 0.85 to 1.60 dl/g, a crystalline propylene-ethylene block copolymer (ii) composed of 60 to 95% by weight of apropylene homopolymer portion having a Q value of 3.0 to 5.0, isotactic pentad fraction of 0.97 or more and intrinsic viscosity measured in tetralin solution at 135.degree.

Abstract: Open cell foamed articles including silane-grafted single-site inititiated polyolefin resins are described. The single-site initiated olefin polymer resin can be a polyethylene, a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin, or a copolymer of ethylene, a C3-C20 alpha-olefin and a C4-C20 diene. The open cell foamed articles have good cushioning properties and can be non-allergenic.

Abstract: A functionalized elastomer is provided which is of the type containing a substrate elastomer, having a weight-average molecular mass (Mw).sub.0 of between 10,000 and 600,000 daltons and a polydispersity index of less than 5, onto which are grafted, in an amount representing 0.1 to 10% by weight of the substrate, sequences carrying carboxyl or ester functional groups, wherein its weight-average molecular Mw is such that the ratio ##EQU1## is less than 20% and the sequences grafted onto the substrate correspond to the formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 denotes an (x+z+1)-valent C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbon radical, X represents H or a monovalent C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 hydrocarbon radical R, z is equal to zero or 1 and x is an integer having a value ranging from 1 to 3 with x+z .ltoreq.3. Bitumen/EF compositions useful for making surfacings may be produced by incorporating the EF into a bituminous component.

Abstract: This invention relates to block polymers containing both crystalline and elastomeric blocks, the block copolymer having an A block and a B block. The A block is a polyethylene or an ethylene polymer optionally containing an alpha-olefin and optionally a non-conjugated diene, and is generally crystalline. The B block is an ethylene, .alpha.-olefin copolymer. Also disclosed is a process for manufacture of the block copolymers and methods for coupling the block copolymers. Coupled block copolymers are useful as thermoplastic elastomers exhibiting physical properties approaching those of crosslinked EP or EPDM elastomers, but showing thermal processability after coupling. The block copolymers of the present invention may also be used as a lubricant or fuel additive, as a plastics blend component, and as a component in hot melt adhesives.

Abstract: This invention relates to difunctional telechelic linear non-crosslinked polyolefins without pendant chain branched groups. The polyolefin compounds of this invention are useful for preparing high molecular weight polyesters, polyamides, polyureas and polyurethanes of high density without branching of the polymer chains, and with low permeability to gases and solvents.

Abstract: Grafted polymer particles are prepared by a free-radical addition polymerization mechanism using a flame produced by igniting a mixture of a combustible gas and an oxidant to heat at least a portion of the surface of a solid polymer particle to produce free-radicals thereon. At least one polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated monomer is contacted and reacted with the free-radicals formed on the surface of the polymer to form a graft thereon.

Abstract: Provided are cycloolefin copolymer compositions comprising a hydrocarbon elastomer component substantially free from a polymerizable double bond and a cycloolefin random copolymer component obtained by copolymerization of an .alpha.-olefin of at least 2 carbon atoms and a cycloolefin in the presence of said hydrocarbon elastomer component, said composition containing said hydrocarbon elastomer component in an amount of 1-50% by weight, and a method for preparing said cycloolefin copolymer compositions.Also provided are cycloolefin copolymer compositions comprising a hydrocarbon elastomer component having a polymerizable double bond and a cycloolefin copolymer component obtained by copolymerization of an .alpha.-olefin of at least 2 carbon atoms and a cycloolefin in the presence of said hydrocarbon elastomer component, said composition containing said hydrocarbon elastomer component in an amount of 1-50% by weight.

Abstract: Provided are cycloolefin copolymer compositions comprising a hydrocarbon elastomer component substantially free from a polymerizable double bond and a cycloolefin random copolymer component obtained by copolymerization of an .alpha.-olefin of at least 2 carbon atoms and a cycloolefin in the presence of said hydrocarbon elastomer component, said composition containing said hydrocarbon elastomer component in an amount of 1-50% by weight, and a method for preparing said cycloolefin copolymer compositions.Also provided are cycloolefin copolymer compositions comprising a hydrocarbon elastomer component having a polymerizable double bond and a cycloolefin copolymer component obtained by copolymerization of an .alpha.-olefin of at least 2 carbon atoms and a cycloolefin in the presence of said hydrocarbon elastomer component, said composition containing said hydrocarbon elastomer component in an amount of 1-50% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for producing an adducted derivatized EPM or EPDM oil solution in which a grafted ethylene polymer is adducted with an antioxidant diamine for formation of an adduct during holding.

Abstract: There is provided a cycloolefin polymer composition comprising 8 to 40% by weight of a cycloolefin polymer [A] and 92 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin polymer [B], both having specific properties, wherein a difference .DELTA.n.sub.D =.vertline.n.sub.D (A)-n.sub.D (B).vertline. between the refractive index n.sub.D (A) of the polymer [A] and the refractive index n.sub.D (B) of the polymer [B] is not more than 0.015. This composition is excellent in impact resistance, transparency and heat resistance, and has a good balance of these properties.There is also provided a cycloolefin copolymer composition comprising 8 to 40% by weight of a cycloolefin elastomer component [Aa] of an .alpha.-olefin, a specific cycloolefin and a non-conjugated diene which contains a polymerizable carbon-carbon double bond; and 92 to 60% by weight of a cycloolefin copolymer component [Ba] which is obtained by copolymerizing an .alpha.

Abstract: Process for making a polymer and the resultant polymer wherein polymer particles, preferably those having a core and a shell structure, most preferably wherein the core comprises polybutadiene and the shell comprises polymethylmethacrylate, are included in metathesis polymerizable mixtures to provide the resultant polymer with improved resistance to oxidation and greater retention of mechanical properties upon thermal aging, and to toughen the resultant polymer.

Abstract: The olefin polymer composition according to the invention comprises [I] an (.alpha.-olefin/polyene copolymer-containing polymer in an amount of 0.005 to 99 by weight, said .alpha.-olefin/polyene copolymer-containing polymer comprising (i) an .alpha.-olefin/polyene copolymer and (ii) a polyethylene, and [II] a polyethylene in an amount of 1 to 99.995% by weight. The olefin polymer composition comprising the .alpha.-olefin/polyene copolymer-containing polymer [I] and the olefin polymer [II] has a high melt tension and an excellent moldability in an inflation molding, and further it can be molded into a large sized container, etc. by means of a blow molding or the like.

Abstract: An ethylene polymer composition is provided that comprises: (a) an ethylene polymer (b) a crosslinking agent; and (c) a non-aromatic, cyclic, unsaturated, crosslinking co-agent.

Abstract: A treatment method for polyene resins used in thiol-ene formulations, especially norbornene resins, significantly stabilizes thiol-ene compositions made from batches of polyene resin which otherwise give compositions with poor dark stability. The treatment comprises contacting the polyene with an amphoteric treating agent selected from the group consisting of silicated magnesium oxide, basic aluminum oxide, silica gel, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, barium oxide, and barium hydroxide, and then separating the resin from the treating agent prior to mixture with a polythiol to form a thiol-ene composition. The treatment method significantly reduces ionic content in polyene resins, particularly chloride ion but also sodium and potassium ions. Consequently, treatment is also beneficial with polyene resins which do not produce substantial dark stability problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for producing an adducted derivatized EPM or EPDM oil solution in which a grafted ethylene polymer is adducted with an antioxidant diamine for formation of an adduct during holding.

Abstract: A composite for moldings having the high bending elastic modulus and the high bending strength, comprising a thermoplastic resin and a polymerizable monomer which is a multifunctional polymerizable monomer having an alicyclic strucure unit or a mixture consisting of a multifunctional polymerizable monomer having an alicyclic strucure unit and a monofunctional polymerizable monomer having at least two alicyclic structure units, is prepared by compounding them. Also, a composite for moldings having the high bending elastic modulus and the high bending strength, comprising a vinyl chloride resin, a (meth)acrylate monomer which is a multifunctional (meth)acrylate or a mixture consisting of a multifunctional (meth)acrylate and a monofunctional (meth)acrylate, and a polymerization initiator. The composite has good workability. Further, an unfluid precursor for moldings is prepared by heating the composite.

Abstract: Oxidatively stabilized polyolefin polymers containing an antioxidant are made more resistant to loss of antioxidant by converting at least some of the antioxidant comprising a polymer of dicyclopentadiene and a phenolic compound into a form non extractable with cyclohexane. The conversion is preferably by reaction in the melt phase in the presence of a radical initiator. Addition of organotin esters, sulphides, oxides or thioethers reduces the color.

Abstract: A vulcanizable rubber composition comprising an ethylene-.alpha.-olefin copolymer modified with an alkenyl aromatic compound alone or in combination with at least one other polymerizable compound, as a polymer component. The vulcanizable rubber composition is excellent in weather-resistance, ozone-resistance and heat-resistance and has a high strength, a high rigidity and a high hardness.

Abstract: A method for preparing a polyolefine--vinyl polymer composite, wherein about 10-200 parts by weight of vinyl monomer and about 0.01-4.0 parts by weight of a free radical polymerization initiator, based on 100 parts by weight of vinyl monomer, are impregnated in 100 parts of weight of polyolefine particles by slowly mixing these at a temperature of about 20.degree.-130.degree. C. while maintaining the particle structure of the polyolefine. After 50-99% of the amount of the monomer has been absorbed into the polyolefine particles, a water suspension is prepared by adding to the above-mentioned mixture about 80-1000 parts by weight water, based on 100 parts of weight of polyolefine+vinyl monomer, as well as a stabilizing agent. The temperature of the water suspension is then increased for polymerizing the vinyl monomer.

Abstract: A partially crosslinked thermoplastic resin composition is prepared by dynamically heat-treating a thermoplastic resin (A) in the presence of a carbon radical inducing agent (B) comprising a charge transfer complex or a combination of a hydrogen donating compound and a hydrogen accepting compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to vinyl monomer compositions having accelerated surface cure characteristics. These compositions are prepared from a vinyl monomer or monomer mixtures such as blend of isobornyl methacrylate and hydroxypropyl methacrylate, a bulk phase polymerization catalyst system, a polyvalent metal oxidative surface phase catalyst, and a diolefin rubber dispersed in the vinyl monomer as a surface cure accelerator. These compositions are useful as sealers, healers and for polymer concrete.

Abstract: A terminally functionalized polymer is prepared by reacting a living polymer obtained by anionic polymerization of a diene monomer or mixture of a diene monomer and a vinyl aromatic hydrocarbon monomer with a fused-ring polynuclear aromatic compound. The resultant terminally functionalized polymers have reduced hysteresis in the carbon black reinforced and cured state and can be utilized to form elastomer compositions for tire treads having reduced rolling resistance.

Abstract: Diene polymers or copolymers having improved raw polymer viscosity and reduced hysteresis in the cured and carbon black reinforced state are provided. These diene polymers or copolymers comprise a mixture of diene polymer or copolymer chains containing carbon-tin bonds in the main polymer or copolymer chains and diene polymer or copolymer chains containing terminals derived from fused-ring polynuclear aromatic compounds.The diene polymer or copolymers are prepared by first coupling a portion of the living diene polymer or copolymer chains obtained by anionic polymerization using a tin polyhalide coupling agent and then terminating the remaining living diene polymer or copolymer chains using fused-ring polynuclear aromatic compounds. The resultant diene polymers or copolymers have improved raw polymer viscosity and when compounded with carbon black and cured have reduced hysteresis properties. The polymers can be utilized to form elastomer compositions for tire treads having reduced rolling resistance.

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: An impact modifier obtained by emulsion polymerizing acrylic monomer(s), etc., in the presence of a conjugated diene rubber to give a graft rubber polymer, or obtained by polymerizing acrylic monomer(s) and the like ethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of the graft rubber polymer, is effective for improving impact resistance and weathering resistance of molded articles obtained from thermoplastic resin compositions containing such an impact modifier.

Abstract: A crosslinked polymer composition obtained by the metathesis polymerization of a dicyclopentadiene monomer in which a chlorinated polymer such as a chlorinated elastomer or chlorinated polypropylene is dissolved; a crosslinked dicyclopentadiene polymer composition comprising a ring-opened dicyclopentadiene polymer and a dicyclopentadiene-soluble chlorinated polymer; and a method for preparing a crosslinked polymer composition comprising adding the chlorinated polymer to one of two reactant liquid streams, one of which contains dicyclopentadiene and a ring-opening metathesis catalyst and the other contains a catalyst activator, combining the two streams, and charging them to a mold or similar forming container in which the dicyclopentadiene polymerizes.

Abstract: A catalyst and process for the polymerization of cyclic olefins, such as dicyclopentadiene, are disclosed. The catalyst includes a transition metal compound and a borohydride co-catalyst, with optional boron halide promoter. Polymerization can be carried out in a reaction injection molding process to prepare a thermoset molded article.

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.