Staudinger's Poly(cyclopentadiene): Sintering Processing of Poly(Diels-Alder cyclopentadiene)

The characterization and mechanical properties of poly (Diels-Alder cyclopentadiene) (PDACp), which is processable by sintering has been presented. A working definition of sintering for amorphous polymers involves heat-treating a sample to a temperature at, or above, the glass transition temperature and near, or above, the melting temperature if semicrystalline. A hot ODCB (o-dichlorobenzene)-soluble fraction was revealed by H NMR spectrum that was very similar to that of the pentamer. Scanning electron microscopy of the pellet fracture surfaces yielded support for the observed mechanical properties. The density and the morphology show that heat treatment is favorable for compaction the hardness measurements show quite clearly that the additives decrease the surface hardness of the polymer.