Cyclic–acyclic monomers metathesis polymerization for the synthesis of degradable thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers

Commercially available synthetic polymers have a variety of properties that range from ultrarigid thermosets to high-performance elastomers and include thermoplastic materials in between. However, their superior properties, such as durability and strength, are also responsible for their environmental persistence. The development of degradable and recyclable polymers is an attractive strategy to tackle this accumulation. Here we report cyclic–acyclic monomers metathesis polymerization to produce degradable thermoset, thermoplastic and elastomeric polymers. Specifically, metathesis-based copolymerization of dicyclopentadiene with a series of commercially available or easily accessible diene comonomers that bear degradable moieties can afford degradable polydicyclopentadiene thermosets. The use of triene comonomers can increase the cross-linking density and improve material properties. Copolymerization of these diene comonomers with cyclooctene or norbornene can afford degradable linear thermoplastic polymers. The introduction of a branched third comonomer leads to the formation of degradable elastomers. The material properties and degradability through different routes (including fluoride, acid and base treatment) of these polymers are investigated.