Biomass-derived heat-resistant alicyclic hydrocarbon polymers: poly(terpenes) and their hydrogenated derivatives

Naturally-occurring terpenes, such as (2)-b-pinene and (2)-a- phellandrene, were cationically polymerized and subsequently hydrogenated into stable alicyclic hydrocarbon polymers with a rigid backbone. In contrast to the already known poly(terpenes), the hydrogenated poly(b-pinene) with a high molecular weight (M-w > 50 000) showed a high glass transition temperature (T-g = 130 degrees C) and degradation temperature (10% loss at > 400 degrees C), suggesting new promising biomass-derived materials for practical use.