Thermal, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties of metallocene-catalyzed cycloolefin copolymers (mCOCs) with high glass transition temperature

We have successfully synthesized and pelletized metallocene-catalyzed cycloolefin copolymers (mCOCs). Furthermore, their thermal oxidation, dynamic mechanical and rheological properties have also been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and capillary rheometer, respectively. Their decomposition temperature (Td), glass transition temperature (Tg), and maximum damping (tanδ) are 450 °C, 203 °C and 2.6, respectively. The thermal oxidation for lab-made mCOC results from free-radical-induced reaction, causing discoloration, and its b* value (CIE LAB system) is 29.67. With 1,2-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyhydro-cinnamoyl)hydrazine as an antioxidant, its b* value can effectively decrease and reach − 0.48. Experimental results reveal it is a tough and flexible polymer for a variety of applications since it possesses excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties.