FTIR spectroscopic characterization of hydrogenated polyoctenamer and polynorbornene and DSC study of their thermal properties

Diimide-hydrogenated polyoctenamer and polynorbornene have been characterized by FT-infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Hydrogenated polyoctenamer has been studied in comparison with hydrogenated polybutadiene and polyethylene. A crystallinity ranging from 71% to 77% was found, while the melting point of hydrogenated polyoctenamer was found to be in the range 127–129°C. Hydrogenated polyoctenamer as well as hydrogenated polybutadiene resemble high density polyethylene (HDPE). Polynorbornene, which is completely amorphous, after hydrogenation shows a certain degree of crystallinity and a melting point of 140.8°C.