Copolymers of norbornene-type cycloolefins

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Abstract of the Disclosure The glass transition temperature of thermoset polymers of norbornene type monomers--particularly those of dicyclopentadiene is improved by copolymerizing the monomer with a functional comonomer. The functional comonomer can be one having a polar substituent, one that has four or more rings in the monomer structure, or one that would ordinarily homopolymerize to a polymer having a higher glass transition. Such monomers can also act as polymerization inhibitors to delay the onset of cross-linking to allow for easier handling of the monomers after combining them with polymerization activators and catalysts.