Saturated polar-substituted polyethylene elastomers from insertion polymerization

Abstract

Saturated, polar-substituted elastomers consisting of a linear polyethylene backbone are prepared directly by insertion copolymerization of ethylene with polar-functionalized vinyl monomers employing functional-group tolerant catalysis. This unprecedented approach to elastomers is compatible with a wide range of different crosslinking chemistries. Crosslinking of the materials occurs efficiently, as concluded from gel contents and spectroscopic observations. Mechanical and thermal properties are revealed by dynamic mechanical analysis.