Correlation between the properties of the polymers and biopolymers obtained by ROMP with [RuCl2(PPh3)2(amine)] complex types

Abstract

It is planned to characterize polymers obtained from ROMP reactions using catalyst precursors developed in the current PhD project. This require came from initial observations collected by DSC, TGA and SEM of the obtained polymers, as described in the 1st annual report (jan-dec 2012). The monomers under investigation to prepare the polymers are norbornene (NBE), norbornadiene (NBD) and dicyclopentadiene (DCPD), as well copolymers from mixture of theses monomers. The main techniques to be employed in the characterization and to follow the progress of the ROMP reactions, are: DMA, DSC, TGA, NMR and rheometry. These techniques will allow to inform the glass transition temperature values (Tg), the viscoelastic parameters (G ', G "and · *), the thermomechanical properties (E', E'' and tan ´), measurements of the gel point (gelation time and temperature), cure characterization of the polymers and thermal stability of the resulting materials. One purpose is to correlate the properties of the polymers with the type of complex precursors used in the ROMP reactions. The studies will also include developments in the field of biorenewable ROMP polymer from vegetable oils, as suggested by Prof. Kessler, in the search for new biopolymeric materials which exhibit thermal and mechanical properties with comparable or better properties than those from petroleum-based. This type of research is actually of interest in our group, but well developed in the group of Prof. Kessler. Studies on development of curing agents will be also performed to obtain new self-healing materials using our complexes. (AU)