A Straightforward\nand Rapid Method to Assess ROMP\nPerformance in Neat Thermosetting Resins

Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) is a thermosetting material\nused\nto produce body panels for industrial equipment and vehicles. PDCPD\nand other important thermosets are produced by direct transformation\nof neat monomer (dicyclopentadiene) to solid polymer using a catalyst\nin a process called reaction injection molding. As polymerization\nand cross-linking are competitive, the polymerization process is therefore\ninherently challenging to study. In this work, we develop a laboratory-scale\nmethod that is rapid and low cost, and which enables the comparison\nof initiators for ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Additionally,\nthe method enables prediction of both the mechanical and thermal properties\nof the final material.