Abstract: The invention provides for polymerization catalyst compositions, and for methods for introducing the catalyst compositions into a polymerization reactor. More particularly, the method combines a catalyst component containing slurry and a catalyst component containing solution to form the completed catalyst composition for introduction into the polymerization reactor. The invention is also directed to methods of preparing the catalyst component slurry, the catalyst component solution and the catalyst compositions, to methods of controlling the properties of polymer products utilizing the catalyst compositions, and to polymers produced therefrom.

Abstract: A composition curable by a metathesis reaction and comprising an olefin-containing resin system and metathesis catalyst. The resin system comprises siloxane-based oligomers or polymers end-capped and/or tethered with olefin functional groups that are capable of undergoing a metathesis reaction. The composition also includes a ruthenium carbene complex catalyst, whereby the catalyst initiates the metathesis reaction of the composition. The oligomer or polymer may be, for example, one or a combination of a telechelic polydimethylsiloxane end-capped with norbornenylethyl groups, a polydimethylsiloxane tethered and end-capped with norbornenylethyl groups, a tri-functional polydimethylsiloxane end-capped with norbornenylethyl groups, or a quadri-functional polydimethylsiloxane end-capped with norbornenylethyl groups. The catalyst may be, for example, a ruthenium carbene complex, such as 1,3-bis-(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)-2-(imidazolidinylidene) dichloro(o-isopropoxyphenylmethylene) ruthenium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cyclic olefin addition copolymer which has a reactive silyl group having a specific structure, excels in optical transparency, heat resistance, and adhesion, and is capable of producing a crosslinked product having improved dimensional stability, solvent resistance, and chemical resistance. The present invention also provides a process for producing the cyclic olefin addition copolymer, a crosslinking composition, a crosslinked product and a process for producing the same, and an optically transparent material (transparent resin film) comprising the cyclic olefin addition copolymer. The optically transparent material excels in optical transparency and heat resistance, exhibits improved dimensional stability, adhesion, solvent resistance, and chemical resistance, and is capable of improving fragility and preventing occurrence of cracks in the film.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel ligands which may be utilized as part of a catalyst system. A catalyst system of the present invention is a transition metal-ligand complex. In particular, the catalyst system includes a transition metal component and a ligand component comprising a Nitrogen atom and/or functional groups comprising a Nitrogen atom, generally in the form of an imine functional group. In certain embodiments, the ligand component may further comprise a phosphorous atom. Preferred ligand components are bidentate (bind to the transition metal at two or more sites) and include a nitrogen-transition metal bond. The transition metal-ligand complex is generally cationic and associated with a weakly coordinating anion. A catalyst system of the present invention may further comprise a Lewis or Bronsted acid. The Lewis or Bronsted acid may be complexed with the ligand component of the transition metal-ligand complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nitrile rubber polymers having lower molecular weights and narrower molecular weight distributions than those known in the art. The present invention also relates to a process for the manufacture of said nitrile rubber and the use of said nitrile rubber for the manufacture of shaped articles.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for converting a less active or slower to initiate system to a higher activity system so that at the end of a polymerization the most active species is present in the system. The invention generally relates to a process for converting a less active or slower to initiate catalyst system to a higher activity catalyst system wherein the process comprises contacting a protected N-heterocyclic carbene with a metathesis catalyst and an olefin in the presence of energy. One of the benefits of the invention is that the amount of catalyst required is less than or lowered in the presence of the protected N-heterocyclic carbene as compared to the amount of catalyst required in the absence of the protected N-heterocyclic carbene. The protected N-heterocyclic carbene can be unsaturated or saturated. In addition, the invention describes novel ruthenium initiators and methods of making the same.

Abstract: Polyolefins, preferably polyethylene, having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/mL, and having methyl branches and at least branches of two other different lengths of six carbon atoms or less, form heat seals at exceptionally low temperatures, thereby allowing good seals to be formed rapidly. This is advantageous when heat sealing these polyolefins, for example in the form of single or multilayer films.

Abstract: The catalyst for polymerizing vinyl compounds according to the present invention comprises (A) a complex of Group 4 to 10 transition metal of the Periodic Table, (B) a clay, clay mineral or ion-exchangeable layered compound, and (C) at least one aluminoxy compound represented by Formula (1): wherein a plurality of R groups are each independently C1-10 hydrocarbon group and at least one of the R groups is a hydrocarbon group having 2 or more carbon atoms; and x is an integer of 2 or more. By using the Group 4 to 10 transition metal complex and the clay, clay mineral or ion-exchangeable layered compound in combination with the specific aluminoxy compound, vinyl polymers are produced at a high efficiency.

Abstract: The catalyst for polymerizing vinyl compounds according to the present invention comprises (A) a complex of Group 4 to 10 transition metal of the Periodic Table, (B) a clay, clay mineral or ion-exchangeable layered compound, and (C) at least one aluminoxy compound represented by Formula (1): 1

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerization method comprising contacting at least one olefin monomer, at least one polar monomer, an optional activator, and a catalyst compound represented by the formula: 1

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclic olefin polymer by addition polymerization, and more particularly to a method for preparing a norbornene-based addition polymer, which comprises a step of contacting a norbornene-based monomer having an ester or acctyl group with a catalyst system comprising: a Group X transition metal compound; a compound comprising a neutral Group XV electron donor ligand having a cone angle of at least 160°; and a salt capable of offering an anion that can be weakly coordinated to the transition metal, in solvent. The norbornene-based addition polymer having an ester or acetyl group according to the present invention is transparent, has superior adhesivity and a low dielectric constant, and it generates no byproducts when attached to metal. Therefore, it can be used as an optical film, a retardation film, a protection film for a polarizer POFs (plastic optical fiber), PCBs (printed circuit board), or insulators of electronic devices.

Abstract: A composition curable by a metathesis reaction upon mixing its components and comprising an olefin-containing substrate, a metathesis catalyst, and a reaction control agent for slowing the progress of the metathesis reaction. The metathesis catalyst is a ruthenium or osmium carbene complex catalyst having high activity and good air stability. In one embodiment, the catalyst is free of phosphine ligands. The reaction control agent is an organic compound that contains carbon-carbon double and/or triple bonds and one or more Group 14 atoms and is present in an amount effective to slow the progress of the metathesis reaction. In one embodiment, the olefin-containing substrate may comprise one or more oligomers or polymers having a >20 wt. % linear siloxane (Si—O—Si) backbone tethered and/or end-capped with functional olefin groups, such as cycloalkenyl groups.

Abstract: The current major way of making nanofibers is electrospinning. However, the minimum fiber diameter is limited to be about 300-500 nm, which is not compliant with the physical definition of nano structures (in the region of 1 to 100 nm). Futher, the productivity is relatively low. This invention provides a method for manufacturing a nano-sized di-block polymer including at least a hard-segment polymer and a soft-segment polymer. First, a sample containing the hard-segment polymer, the soft-segment polymer, and a catalyst is dissolved in a first solvent. Then the dissolved sample is cast on substrate, and then the first solvent to is removed form a dried sample. Finally, the nano-sized di-block polymer is formed by crew-cutting.

Abstract: Catalyst systems useful for the polymerisation of 1-olefins are disclosed, which contain nitrogen-containing transition metal compounds comprising the skeletal unit depicted in Formula (B), wherein M is Fe[II], Fe[III], Ru[II], Ru[III] or Ru[IV]; X represents an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to the transition metal M; T is the oxidation state of the transition metal M and b is the valency of the atom or group X; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R6 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl; R5 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl.

Abstract: A complex suitable for use as a catalyst in the polymerisation of olefins is disclosed, having the Formula (I) wherein M is a transition metal; X represents an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to M; T is the oxidation state of M; b is the valency of the atom or group X; A1 to A3 are each independently N or P or CR, with the proviso that at least one but no more than two of them are independently CR; Y1 and Y2 are each independently CR′ or PR′R″; Z is oxygen or NR5, R5 and R7 and each R, each R′ and each R″ are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl, substituted heterohydrocarbyl or SiR303 where each R30 is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl and substituted heterohydrocarbyl; but excluding those complexes having the formulae (1) and (2) where in both cases R4 and R6 are Me, R5 and R7 are 2, 4, 6-trimethylphenyl, M is Fe, T is II, X is Cl a

Abstract: Complexes of the formula I where M═Ni, Pd; process for preparing the metal complexes and the use of the complexes obtainable in this way for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, for example in suspension polymerization processes, gas-phase polymerization processes and bulk polymerization processes.

Abstract: New ligands, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays with pyridyl-amine ligands are disclosed that catalyze the polymerization of monomers into polymers. Certain of these catalysts with hafnium metal centers have high performance characteristics, including higher comonomer incorporation into ethylene/olefin copolymers, where such olefins are for example, 1-octene, isobutylene or styrene. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing propylene to high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene in a solution process at a variety of polymerization conditions.

Abstract: In a process for polmerizing a mixture comprising at least one free-radically polymerizable monomer and a transition metal complex whose transition metal is capable of reversibly binding a halogen atom, thus bringing about a change in the oxidation state of the transition metal from a first oxidation state to a second, in the presence of an initiator R-Y, where Y is halogen and R is alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl (substituted or unsubstituted), aryl or —CHnHal3-n, where n=0 to 2 and Hal=halogen, in an aqueous system, the transition metal is bound via suitable anchor groups to the hydrophobic part of an amphiphilic polymer which is made up of a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part. Also provided are a corresponding transition metal complex, a reaction product which can be prepared by this process and the use of this transition metal complex for preparing reaction products by free-radical polymerization.

Abstract: A process for transitioning between two catalysts is disclosed, comprising the steps of a) discontinuing the feed of the first catalyst into the polymerization reactor, and then b) introducing the second catalyst into the reactor, wherein one of the catalysts comprises a late transition metal catalyst and the other is a catalyst which is incompatible therewith. It is preferred that the late transition metal catalyst is a 2,6-diacetyl pyridine iron catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds shown as Formula I: wherein R1-R11 are each independently selected from a group comprising hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl, and substituted heterohydrocarbyl containing 1 to 20 carbon atoms and two or more of the R1-R11 groups may be joined to form cyclic versions; R1-R11 can also be selected from hydrogen, halogen, and recognized donor and acceptor groups; E is a Group 16 element (including oxygen); M is a metal selected from the group comprising Group 3 to 10 elements (including titanium and zirconium) and the Lanthanide series elements; m is the oxidation state of the metal; X is a monovalent atom or group bonded to M; Y is a mono- or bidentate molecule datively bound to M, and n is zero or an integer up to five. These catalysts, when combined with a suitable activator, are active for the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: A thermosetting in-mold coating composition and a method of using the same. The in-mold coating composition is curable at a temperature below 300° F. and includes a polymerizable resin, a promoted peroxide that includes a tertiary organic perester, a polymer-bound catalyst that includes a transition metal physically bound to a polymeric composition, and an amine synergist that includes at least one aromatic tertiary amine.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compound represented by the formula: 1

Abstract: This system consists of (A) at least one ligand (I) and (B) at least one nickel compound chosen from nickel complexes of zero oxidation state; &pgr;-allylnickels; and compounds of the bis(allyl)nickel type where E, E′=O, S; X, X′=P, As, Sb; R1, R′1=H, alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, halogen, OH, alkoxide where R′=a hydrocarbon radical of the C1-C15 type; —SO3Y where Y=Li, Na, NH4+, NR″4+ (R″=C1-C15 hydrocarbon radical); R2, R′2, R3, R′3, R4 and R′4=alkyl, arylalkyl; and R=divalent radical.

Abstract: A composition curable by a metathesis reaction upon mixing its components and comprising an olefin-containing substrate, a metathesis catalyst, and a reaction control agent for slowing the progress of the metathesis reaction. The metathesis catalyst is a ruthenium carbene complex catalyst, such as one containing an alkylidene ligand with basicity higher than that of tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3) and a neutral electron donor ligand with a basicity lower than that of PCy3, whereby the catalyst initiates the metathesis reaction of the composition upon mixing with the substrate. The reaction control agent is an organic compound that contains carbon-carbon double and/or triple bonds and one or more Group 14 atoms and is present in an amount effective to slow the progress of the metathesis reaction.

Abstract: A method of controlled curing by a metathesis reaction upon mixing its components, the method including the step of mixing an olefin-containing substrate, a metathesis catalyst, and a reaction control agent. The metathesis catalyst is a ruthenium carbene complex catalyst, such as one containing an alkylidene ligand with basicity higher than that of tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy3) and a neutral electron donor ligand with a basicity lower than that of PCy3, whereby the catalyst initiates the metathesis reaction of the composition upon mixing with the substrate. The reaction control agent is effective to slow the progress of the metathesis reaction and prevent its completion in the absence of an elevated temperature. The control agent may be a hydrocarbon containing carbon-carbon double bonds and/or triple bonds, or maybe a modified hydrocarbon with one or more Group 14 or 15 atoms.

Abstract: A ring-opened metathesis copolymer formed by the ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of a cycloolefin monomer having a carboxylic anhydride group selected from bicycloheptene derivatives, tetracyclododecene derivatives and hexacycloheptadecene derivatives with a cycloolefin monomer selected from bicycloheptene derivatives, tetracycloheptene derivatives and hexacycloheptene derivatives; and a hydrogenation product of the copolymer. This copolymer is produced by using a polymerization catalyst comprises an organoruthenium compound having a heterocyclic carbene compound as a ligand. The ring-opened metathesis copolymer and the hydrogenation product thereof have a low dielectric constant, a low water absorption, a high adhesion to metals and a high heat resistance.

Abstract: New ligands, compositions, metal-ligand complexes and arrays with pyridyl-amine ligands are disclosed that catalyze the polymerization of monomers into polymers. Certain of these catalysts with hafnium metal centers have high performance characteristics, including higher comonomer incorporation into ethylene/olefin copolymers, where such olefins are for example, 1-octene, isobutylene or styrene. Certain of the catalysts are particularly effective at polymerizing propylene to high molecular weight isotactic polypropylene in a solution process at a variety of polymerization conditions.

Abstract: Ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds that are stable in the presence of a variety of functional groups and can be used to catalyze olefin metathesis reactions on unstrained cyclic and acyclic olefins are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the carbene compounds. The carbene compounds are of the formula where M is Os or Ru; R1 is hydrogen; R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, and substituted or unsubstituted aryl; X and X1 are independently selected from any anionic ligand; and L and L1 are independently selected from any neutral electron donor. The ruthenium and osmium carbene compounds of the present invention may be synthesized using diazo compounds, by neutral electron donor ligand exchange, by cross metathesis, using acetylene, using cumulated olefins, and in a one-pot method using diazo compounds and neutral electron donors.

Abstract: Ethylene and/or propylene, and &agr;-olefins may be copolymerized by contacting then with certain iron or cobalt complexes of selected 2,6-pyridinecarboxaldehydebis(imines) and 2,6-diacylpyridinebis(imines). The polymers produced, some of which are novel, are useful as molding resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst for preparing polyolefin and olefin polymerization using the same, particularly to a method for preparing polyolefin using a compound obtained by activating metalloenamine compound with Lewis acid as a catalyst. Metalloenamine compound having C═C—N—M basic structure is reacted with various Lewis acid (A) to provide zwitterions compound having structure of —A—C—C═N—M+ because a-carbon therein has high nucleophilicity. At this time, a metal has cationic property and thus the compound shows activity for olefin polymerization. The obtained catalyst can be used for various olefin polymerizations.

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: The use of olefin feedstocks with low carbon monoxide content to achieve improved productivities in nickel catalyzed olefin polymerizations is described.

Abstract: A thermoplastic norbornene resin is purified by using a cleaning liquid to eliminate organic impurities, ionic impurities, metallic impurities, and particles of the resin. The cleaning liquid is selected from 2-propanol and a mixed solvent of 2-propanol and water. A substrate for a magnetic recording medium of the invention is fabricated by injection-molding the thermoplastic norbornene resin purified by this method. A magnetic recording medium of the invention includes such a substrate, and a magnetic layer, a protective layer, and a liquid lubricant layer sequentially formed on the substrate. A method for manufacturing such a magnetic recording medium is also provided.

Abstract: The invention discloses a process for the preparation of polymeric absorbents useful for gelling organic liquids. The process comprises mixing one or more monomers with a cross-linking agent, a free radical initiator, an optional solvent, optionally in the presence of a transition metal source and subjecting the mixture so obtained to a conventional polymerisation method. The polymer is removed, crushed to obtain polymer powder, washed with solvent and dried by conventional methods to remove unreacted monomers, followed by swelling in alcohols to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: The present invention describes catalysts for atom transfer radical polymerization processes. Specifically, a hybrid catalyst system comprising transition metal complexes held in close conjunction with a solid support and of a soluble ligand, or soluble transition metal complex or desorbed catalyst. The hybrid catalyst system may be used in a controlled polymerization process of radically (co)polymerizable monomers in the presence of a system comprising an initiator comprising one or more radically transferable atom(s) or group(s). The catalyst may include a transition metal, one or more counterions, a ligand attached to a solid support, and a soluble ligand. The hybrid catalyst may also be comprised of an attached transition metal complex, and a soluble transition metal complex.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexes of ruthenium of the structural formula I where X is an anionic ligand, Z is a monodentate to tridentate ligand which contains a metal and is nonionically bound to the ruthenium center, R1 and R2 are identical or different and are each hydrogen or/and a hydrocarbon group, but may also form a ring, and Ligand L is an N-heterocyclic carbene, and also to a process for preparing acyclic olefins having two or more carbon atoms or/and cyclic olefins having three or more carbon atoms and the use of at least one complex of the formula I in olefin metathesis.

Abstract: Olefins, such as ethylene, are polymerized using as a polymerization catalyst a complex of a selected transition metal with an anionic ligand that has at least three atoms that may coordinate to the transition metal. Also disclosed are the above selected transition metal complexes, and intermediates thereto.

Abstract: Further improvements have been made in processes for controlled polymerization of free radically (co)polymerizable monomers mediated by a transition metal complex participating in a redox reaction which involves transfer of a radically transferable atom or group to and from an initiator or dormant polymer and the growing active polymer chain ends. Two improvements involve the choice of counterion in the transition metal complex. In one improvement the transition metal is held in close conjunction with a solid support through interaction with a counterion directly attached to the support. This cognition also allows for improvements in catalyst utilization including catalyst recovery and recycle. In another improvement, particularly suitable for controlled polymerization of certain monomers with an expanded range of transition metals, the function of counterion and ligand in the development of the transition metal based catalyst is superseded by use of salt containing a soluble organic counterion.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The catalyst system comprises an activator and a bimetallic complex that incorporates two Group 3 to 10 transition metal atoms, which may be the same or different, and a neutral or anionic indigoid ligand. By proper selection of the indigoid skeleton and by modifying its substituents and transition metal centers, polyolefin makers can fine-tune the bimetallic complexes to control activity, enhance comonomer incorporation, and optimize polymer properties.

Abstract: Certain complexes containing ligands having a phosphino group, amino group or an imino group, and a second functional group such as amide, ester or ketone, when complexed to transition metals, catalyze the (co)polymerization of olefinic compounds such as ethylene, &agr;-olefins and/or acrylates. A newly recognized class of ligands for making copolymer containing polar monomers using late transition metal complexes is described.

Abstract: A catalyst composition and process for preparing norbornene-type homopolymers or copolymers. The norbornene-type homopolymers or copolymers can be prepared using an in-situ catalyst composition including: (a) a transition metal compound of ML4, wherein M is a Group 10 metal and L is a neutral electron donor ligand; (b) a hydrocarbyl halogen containing a double bond or a triple bond; and (c) a salt of a non or weakly coordinative anion that can replace a halogen bonded to a metal. The catalyst composition is in a mixing state of components (a), (b), and (c), or in a mixing state of a reaction product of components (a) and (b) together with component (c).

Abstract: Various olefins may be polymerized using a catalyst systems containing selected &agr;-diimine, urethane or urea ligands, some of them novel, complexed to nickel, palladium or other selected transition metals. The polymers are useful as molding resins and elastomers.

Abstract: Polyolefins, preferably polyethylene, having a density of about 0.86 to about 0.93 g/mL, and having methyl branches and at least branches of two other different lengths of six carbon atoms or less, form heat seals at exceptionally low temperatures, thereby allowing good seals to be formed rapidly. This is advantageous when heat sealing these polyolefins, for example in the form of single or multilayer films.

Abstract: An acetal group containing norbornene-based copolymer useful for a photoresist composition, a method for producing the same, and a photoresist composition containing the same are disclosed. According to the present invention, a copolymer of the present invention has excellent transparency at a wavelength of not more than about 250 nm, excellent resolution, excellent sensitivity, dry etching resistance and excellent adhesion to the substrate.

Abstract: Novel nitrogen containing transition metal complexes have general formula (I): wherein M is Fe[II], Fe[III], Ni[II], Co[I], Co[II], Co[III], V[III], Mn[I], Mn[II], Mn[III], Mn[IV], Ru[II], Ru[III] or Ru[IV]; Pd[II], V[III], V[IV] or V[V]. X represents an atom or group covalently or ionically bonded to the transition metal M; R is independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl or substituted heterohydrocarbyl; Z is a bridging group comprising a donor atom of N, P or S or alternatively is a neutral group comprising a C1-C4 alkylene group, a silyl or germyl group, and n= an integer to satisfy the valency of M.

Abstract: High density polyethylene made using a cobalt or iron complex of a selected tridentate ligand as a polymerization catalyst may be made into packaging which has advantageous properties, especially lower permeation to ambient materials such as oxygen and/or water. The packaging, such as bottles, bags and rigid storage tanks, may be formed by conventional methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel hexacoordinated metathesis catalysts and to methods for making and using the same. The inventive catalysts are of the formula wherein: M is ruthenium or osmium; X and X1 are the same or different and are each independently an anionic ligand; L, L1′ and L2 are the same or different and are each independently a neutral electron donor ligand, wherein at least one L, L1′ and L2 is an N-heterocyclic carbene ligand; and, R and R1 are each independently hydrogen or a substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl.

Abstract: Improved Group 3-11 transition-metal based catalysts and processes for the polymerization of olefins are described. Some of the ligands are characterized by a preferred substitution pattern which allows for higher productivities of highly branched olefins; substitution patterns which boost productivity or alter the polymer microstructure are also described.

Abstract: A method for making a fiber-reinforced composite comprises dispensing a reactive liquid into a mold. The mold comprises fibers and a single-component activator on the fibers. The reactive liquid comprises a cyclic olefin, and the mold comprises fibers and a single-component ROMP activator on the fibers. Composites formed by the method may have high fiber densities.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the use of certain ruthenium and osmium complexes that are substantially inactive at a first temperature (preferably about room temperature) but becomes progressively more active at a higher second temperature. This difference in reactivities allows the reaction mixture to be formed and manipulated at the first temperature until polymerization is desired. When appropriate, the reaction mixture is heated to a suitable temperature (preferably greater than 50° C.) to activate the catalyst and to initiate polymerization. Because both the initiation and the rate of polymerization may be controlled with temperature, the inventive methods are especially suitable for ring opening metathesis polymerization (“ROMP”) reactions and for molding polymer articles that require extended pot-lives.