Novel Rubbers from the Cationic Copolymerization of Soybean Oils and Dicyclopentadiene, 2-Mechanical and Damping Properties

A series of various' soybean oil/dicyclopentadiene (DCP) thermosetting copolymers with renewable carbon percentages of 53-86% have been prepared by cationic copolymerization of regular (SOY) or 100% conjugated soybean oils (C100SOY) with DCP initiated by NFO ethyl ester modified and SOY- an C100SOY-diluted BF3 diethyl etherate. The effects of stoichiometry, the type of soybean oil, and the initiator on the mechanical and damping properties of the copolymers have been investigated. The materials exhibit compressive stress/strain behavior ranging from soft rubbers to tough and ductile plastics, and possess good damping properties. They represent promising new materials for efficient sound and vibration damping applications over a broad temperature and frequency range.