Image of the Week - 07 October 2003

Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization of exo-dicyclopentadiene

The image shows the Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization of exo-dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). In the autonomic materials group (Jeff Moore, Scott White, and Nancy Sottos), we've investigated exo-DCPD as a potential healing agent in place of endo-DCPD, which is the commercially available (and the most commonly used) form of DCPD. We have found the exo-DCPD can cure as much as 250 times faster than endo-DCPD, and we are currently working on incorporating exo-DCPD into a self-healing material.
These stills are from a short video demonstrating the rapid curing times of the polymer. After mixing with the catalyst, the DCPD is slowly poured from the vial onto a glass plate. Within 30 seconds, the bond is strong enough to support the vial.
The video was acquired using the ITG's Canon XL1 and digitized using Final Cut Pro.

Image Courtesy: Joe Rule, Jeff Moore, Scott White, and Nancy Sottos

Contact: jrule@uiuc.edu