| abstract |
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided free-radical polymerizable compositions comprising polycyclic olefins, wherein the polycyclic olefins contain little, if any, cyclopentenyl unsaturation. As a result, these olefins are sufficiently reactive with the propagating free-radicals during cure to provide a highly crosslinked thermoset resin. Moreover, invention compositions comprise high molecular weight polycyclic olefins having low volatility. Accordingly, the observed undesirable weight loss upon cure of prior art thermosetting compositions is considerably reduced. Further provided by the present invention are compositions comprising functionalized polycyclic olefin monomers. These functionalized olefin monomers provide additional benefits such as increased adhesion to a variety of surfaces and greater control over glass transition temperatures. |