Oxidative Stabilization of Poly(norbornene) Polymers Prepared by Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Polymers prepared by ring opening methathesis polymerization contain double bonds along the backbone and are susceptible to oxidation during high temperature processing or device operation. To overcome this, we report a simple method to improve the oxidative stability of ROMP based polymers by inclusion of a small percentage of monomer functionalized with a radical scavenger in the feedstock. The oxidation induction temperature was improved from 111°C up to 262°C when 8 mol% of the functionalized comonomer was included in the feedstock. Modest improvements in the thermal decomposition temperature were also observed.