Olefin metathesis meets rubber chemistry and technology

This article summarizes possible applications of olefin metathesis in rubber chemistry and technology. There are three main research directives with valuable contributions to the synthesis, recycling, and characterization of elastomers. First, ring opening metathesis polymerization as well as acyclic diene metathesis polycondensation yields polyalkenamers with cross-linkable double bonds, and thus can be used for the synthesis of defined rubbers serving as raw materials in rubber technology. Secondly, by cross metathesis reaction, natural rubber (and synthetic rubber) can be functionalized resulting in telechelic polymers or small molecule specialty chemicals. Thirdly, olefin metathesis offers the possibility of degrading the cross-linked rubber network into smaller soluble pieces, enabling different analytical possibilities such as characterization of cross-linking sites, determination of rubber, rubber additives and carbon black, and exploration of the rubber-metal adhesive interface. Additionally, this route can also be used for recycling of rubber products. [GRAPHICS] .