Random copolymers of propylene with 1,5-hexadiene containing only cyclopentane units in main chain and tailoring structure and mechanical properties of the copolymers

In the presence of [Ph3C][B(C6F5)(4)] and Triisobutylaluminium, dimethyl pyridylamidohafnium complex exhibited remarkable catalytic activity in the copolymerization of propylene with 1,5-hexadiene, affording high molecular weight copolymers with unimodal molecular weight distributions. More noticeably, the resultant copolymers contain absolutely cyclo-group in the polymer chains without pendent vinyl groups and crosslinking. The solid state structures and properties of the homogeneous copolymers were studied by examining melting behavior, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and tensile deformation. Chain microstructures were analyzed by C-13 NMR spectra, and further confirmed by the measurement of reactivity ratios of the two monomers. These copolymers display a random distribution of the comonomer, and crystallinity decreases with increasing comonomer content. The copolymers contain variable amounts of comonomeric units, showing desired physical properties ranging from thermoplastic to elastoplastomeric to elastomeric. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.