Disclosed is a functionalizing method for the end functionalisation of trans-1,4 stereo-regular polydiene chains obtained by the coordination catalytic polymerisation of at least one conjugated diene monomer. It also relates to a polydiene having a trans-1,4 chain formation rate of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and an end functionalisation rate higher than 70%, preferably higher than 80%, and more preferably higher than 90%.

Disclosed is a functionalizing method for the end functionalisation of trans-1,4 stereo-regular polydiene chains obtained by the coordination catalytic polymerisation of at least one conjugated diene monomer. It also relates to a polydiene having a trans-1,4 chain formation rate of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and an end functionalisation rate higher than 70%, preferably higher than 80%, and more preferably higher than 90%.

Disclosed herein are copolymers formed by cationic polymerization of one or more cyclic dienes and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of a monoterpene, a branched styrene, and combinations thereof, in the presence of a catalyst. Random copolymers having repeat units derived from a cyclic conjugated diene, such as 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and a comonomer such as a monoterpene, can be prepared as soluble products in hydrocarbon solvents. The copolymers can be crosslinked with various crosslinking agents to form materials having good oxidative stability and fire retardancy. The uncrosslinked and crosslinked copolymers have useful properties such as a low dissipation factor, low dielectric constants, and a good balance of thermomechanical and electrical properties that make them valuable in electronic applications.

A block copolymer or a hydrogenate thereof, containing a polymer block (A) and a polymer block (B), in which the polymer block (B) has a structural unit derived from a conjugated diene compound, the structural unit including one or more kinds of alicyclic skeletons (X) represented by a formula (X) in the main chain.

The disclosure relates to methods for producing poly(cyclohexadiene) homopolymers (PCHD). The PCHD is formed by polymerizing a 1,3-cyclohexadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst, in a hydrocarbon solvent, and at a temperature of −100° C. to 120° C. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a Bronsted acid, a Lewis acid, and combinations thereof. PCHD produced under these conditions has good solubility in non-polar solvents, and a number average molecular weight of 300 to 5,000 Dalton; a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 15,000 Delton; and a polydispersity index of 3.0 to 8.0. The PCHD is useful for producing crosslinked materials having good physical properties. The crosslinked materials can be combined with a rubbery polymer to produce compositions valuable for further downstream uses.

Disclosed herein are copolymers formed by cationic polymerfization of one or more cyclic dienes and a comonomer selected from the group consisting of a monoterpene, a branched styrene, and combinations thereof, in the presence of a catalyst. Random copolymers having repeat units derived from a cyclic conjugated diene, such as 1,3-cyclohexadiene, and a comonomer such as a monoterpene, can be prepared as soluble products in hydrocarbon solvents. The copolymers can be crosslinked with various crosslinking agents to form materials having good oxidative stability and fire retardancy. The uncrosslinked and crosslinked copolymers have useful properties such as a low dissipation factor, low dielectric constants, and a good balance of thermomechanical and electrical properties that make them valuable in electronic applications.

The disclosure relates to methods for producing poly(cyclohexadiene) homopolymers (PCHD). The PCHD is formed by polymerizing a 1,3-cyclohexadiene monomer in the presence of a catalyst, in a hydrocarbon solvent, and at a temperature of 100 C. to 120 C. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of a Bronsted acid, a Lewis acid, and combinations thereof. PCHD produced under these conditions has good solubility in non-polar solvents, and a number average molecular weight of 300 to 5,000 Dalton; a weight average molecular weight of 5,000 to 15,000 Delton; and a polydispersity index of 3.0 to 8.0. The PCHD is useful for producing crosslinked materials having good physical properties. The crosslinked materials can be combined with a rubbery polymer to produce compositions valuable for further downstream uses.

A block copolymer or a hydrogenate thereof, containing a polymer block (A) and a polymer block (B), in which the polymer block (B) has a structural unit derived from a conjugated diene compound, the structural unit including one or more kinds of alicyclic skeletons (X) represented by a formula (X) in the main chain.

This invention relates to polymerization of muconic acid and its derivatives. Muconic acid useful for the present invention can be in any of its isomeric forms including cis, cis-muconic acid (ccMA), cis, trans-muconic acid (ctMA), and trans, trans-muconic acid (ttMA). Muconic acid used in the present invention can be derived either from renewable carbon resources through biological fermentation or from non-renewable petrochemical resources through biological fermentation or chemical conversion.

Disclosed is a functionalizing method for the end functionalisation of trans-1, 4 stereo-regular polydiene chains obtained by the coordination catalytic polymerisation of at least one conjugated diene monomer. It also relates to a polydiene having a trans-1,4 chain formation rate of at least 85%, preferably at least 90%, and an end functionalisation rate higher than 70%, preferably higher than 80%, and more preferably higher than 90%.