Synthesis, characterization and dielectric properties of polynorbornadiene–clay nanocomposites by ROMP using intercalated Ruthenium catalyst

Polynorbornadiene clay nanocomposites were prepared for the first time by the ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) using modified montmorillonite and polynorbornadiene the latter of which is used commonly in electric–electronic industry. The Na–MMT clay was modified by a quaternary ammonium salt containing Ruthenium complex as a suitable catalyst and intercalant as well. The norbornadiene monomers were polymerized within the modified montmorillonite layers by in-situ polymerization method in different clay loading degrees. Intercalation ability of the Ru catalyst and partially exfoliated nanocomposite structure were proved by powder X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Spectroscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) methods. The nanocomposite materials with high thermal degradation temperature and low dielectric constant compared to the pure polynorbornadiene were obtained. The dielectric constants decreased with the increase of the clay content.