Cross-linking of addition copolymers based on 3-trimethylsilyltricyclo[4.2.1.02,5]non-7-ene

Herein we report a new approach to cross-link substituted addition polynorbornenes. The cross-linking was realized by the copolymerization of SiMe3-containing tricyclononene with low amounts of tricyclononene bearing triethoxysilyl groups followed by the hydrolysis of Si(OEt)3-groups with the formation of interchain siloxane bonds. The amount of cross-links proved to depend on the composition of copolymers and cross-linking conditions, which allowed to perform controlled cross-linking of polynorbornenes. The insoluble polymers with good film forming properties were obtained by cross-linking. The developed method could find further application for the modification of polynorbornenes.