SYNTHESIS, RHEOLOGY, AND PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES OF A METATHESIS POLYMER

This paper describes the synthesis, physical properties, and the impact modification of poly (N-phenylnorbornene dicarboximide) (PNDI). Impact modification is carried out both by physical blending with acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (Hycar(R)) and by in situ metathesis polymerization of the monomer with the rubber. Better success is achieved by in situ metathesis polymerization. A copolymer, poly(N-phenylnorbornene dicarboximide)-co-poly(norbornene nitrile) containing Hycar rubber (PNDI/PNN/Hycar), is prepared with a good balance of high-heat impact and flexural properties. The melt viscoelastic behavior of PNDI/PNN/Hycar is evaluated and the energy of activation for viscous flow (E(a)) was found to be 42 kcal/mol. (C) 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.