Novel random copolymer, and process for production thereof.

摘要

New random copolymer comprises units of ethylene and units of cycloolefin(s) of formula (I) where R1-8 = H, halo or 1-10C hydrocarbon; and R9 and R10 = H, halo or 1-10C hydrocarbon; or are bonded together to form a gp. of formula (II) where R11 and R12 = H, halo or 1-10C hydrocarbon; j = 3 or 4; and n = 1-3. Mole ratio of cycloolefin units to ethylene units is 3:97-60:40. The polymerised cycloolefin units corresp. to partial formula (III). The copolymer has intrinsic viscosity measured in decalin at 135 deg.C of 0.01-20 dl/g. It has mol. wt. distribution (wt. average wt/number average mol.wt) measured by gel permeation chromatography of up to 4, and crystallinity, measured by X-ray diffractometry of 0-10%. Prodn. of the copolymer and its graft modified derivs. and moulded articles made from the copolymer and modified copolymer are also claimed.