(177w) Synthesis of Polyoxanorbornenes By Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) Techniques and Investigation of the Polymer Properties

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) is an excellent controlled polymerization technique to achieve the desired polymer properties for targeted applications. This research investigates the synthesis of homopolymers and copolymers of oxanorbornene monomers using ROMP. For monomer design, bicyclic oxanorbornene was synthesized by Diels–Alder reaction, a six-carbon liker was incorporated using 1,6-diaminohexane, and then a Michael addition reaction with methyl acrylate produced two different monomers with single or double ester pendant groups.

In total, five polymers were synthesized, two homopolymers (mono ester and diester terminated) and three copolymers (synthesized at 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2 molar ratios). The resulting polyoxanorbornenes were characterized using FTIR, NMR, and TGA. Corresponding ¹H NMR spectra showed that the monomer olefin signals originally at 6.5 ppm had disappeared, while two new broad peaks appeared at 5.6–6.2 ppm showing successful polymerization. The molecular weight of polymers was measured by NMR end-group analysis. These polymers were modified using different graphene oxides to increase their thermal and electrical properties and evaluated for potential use in a wide range of applications such as batteries, antibacterial agents, and catalysts.