Synthesis of Recyclable Tire Additives via Equilibrium Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization

Abstract

Linear trans-polypentenamers are highly desired materials among synthetic tire additives due to their comparable physical properties to natural rubber. trans-Polypentenamer can be prepared by equilibrium ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using well-defined ruthenium catalyst systems. This unique feature of the equilibrium polymerization reaction opens a way for the synthesis of durable, environmentally benign elastomers where polymers including synthetic tire additives can be synthesized and readily recycled using the same transition metal catalyst system. The addition of silica fillers significantly improves the physical properties of the composite materials in comparison to the use of polymeric material. It is also known that the structural effects and the polymer–filler surface interaction are of prime importance. Herein, we report on the synthesis of silica filler compatible recyclable polypentenamer copolymers via equilibrium ROMP of cyclopentene 1 and 4-(triethoxy)siloxy cyclopentene 11....