Adhesion of fibers to natural rubber elastomer using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP)

Ring-opening metathesis polymerization is used to investigate adhesion of multifilament fibers (polyester, nylon, Kevlar(R)) to a natural rubber elastomer through the creation of ROMP polymer coatings on the fiber surfaces followed by encapsulation in pre-cured elastomer. Polymer coated fibers are prepared by 1) physisorption of polynorbornenes which are prepared by solution-phase ROMP and 2) contact metathesis polymerization (CMP) whereby Grubbs' 1st generation catalyst 1 is applied directly to the fiber surface followed by passage of the "activated" fiber through a norbornene monomer bath. Both methods improve adhesion to the elastomer when compared to uncoated control specimens. Catalyst and polymer loading are briefly examined. Although inconclusive, our findings suggest that polymer loading and substrate specificity may affect overall adhesion. ROMP is enabling chemistry for creating an interface to improve fiber adhesion to natural rubber elastomers. Formulated commercial adhesive systems are also included in this study.