Alpha-Olefin/non-conjugated cyclic polyene copolymers, production processes thereof, and crosslinkable compositions including the copolymer

摘要

An alpha-olefin/non-conjugated cyclic polyene copolymer (A) includes structural units (I) derived from an alpha-olefin and structural units (H) derived from a vinyl group-containing cyclic olefin. The copolymer has a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of not more than 2.7 and is amorphous or low crystalline with a crystalline heat of fusion (DeltaH) of less than 90 kJ/kg. The copolymer is efficiently produced using a specific transition metal catalyst that has a ligand with a phenoxyimine skeleton. The copolymer of the invention has a narrower molecular weight distribution and a higher content of vinyl groups as compared with existing copolymers. The copolymer can then give crosslinked products having excellent tensile properties. The copolymer is also used as a plasticizer for polymers such as rubbers, and provides excellent processability and superior mechanical strength and rubber elasticity of crosslinked products. By converting the vinyl groups in the copolymer to polar groups, various functional polyolefin materials are obtained.