Biomass-derived heat-resistant alicyclic hydrocarbon polymers: poly(terpenes) and their hydrogenated derivatives

Naturally-occurring terpenes, such as (−)-β-pinene and (−)-α-phellandrene, were cationically polymerized and subsequently hydrogenated into stable alicyclic hydrocarbon polymers with a rigid backbone. In contrast to the already known poly(terpenes), the hydrogenated poly(β-pinene) with a high molecular weight (Mw > 50 000) showed a high glass transition temperature (Tg = 130 °C) and degradation temperature (10% loss at > 400 °C), suggesting new promising biomass-derived materials for practical use.