Copolymerization of norbornene and ethene with homogenous zirconocenes/methylaluminoxane catalysts

The norbornene/ethene copolymerization was investigated by using two C _S-symmetric (Me₂C(Fluo)(Cp)]ZrCl₂ III, Ph₂C(Fluo)(Cp)]ZrCl₂ IB) and two C ₂-symmetric (Me₂Si(Ind)₂]ZrCl₂ I, Ph₂Si(Ind)₂]ZrCl₂ II) catalysts with methylaluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst. This investigation focussed not only on the different polymerization behavior, like catalyst activity, but also considers the material properties of the synthesized copolymers. It was found, that the C _S-symimetric catalysts are very well suitable to yield amorphous copolymers with glass transition temperatures above 180°C and molecular weights >100.000 g/mol. These copolymers could be used as potential starting materials for optical discs and fibers.