Pyrolysis-GC/MS: An alternative approach to characterize cycloolefin copolymers (COC)

Abstract The incorporation of norbornene into cycloolefin copolymers (COC) has been studied by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS). Four different catalysts were used to polymerize ethene with norbornene. Two cationic palladium(II) α-diimine complexes and two metallocene/MAO catalysts were chosen to investigate the norbornene incorporation covering a wide range of comonomer content. Furthermore the copolymers were characterized by 13 C NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and gel permeation chromatography. The Py-GC/MS results were discussed together with the degree of the incorporation of norbornene determined by 13 C NMR and DSC in order to proof the suitability of this alternative technique.