Synthesis of latex particles by ring-opening metathesis polymerization

This paper reviews the recent discoveries that were achieved by our group in the field of particle synthesis via ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Both polynorbornene and polybutadiene-based particles were prepared by the respective ROMP of norbornene and cyclooctadiene initiated by (PCy3)2Cl2RuCHPh using several methods of polymerization in dispersed media, such as dispersion, suspension and miniemulsion. Depending upon the process implemented, particles size was found to range from 300 nm to 20 μm.