Cyclo-Olefin Copolymers - Properties and Applications

Background

Cyclo-Olefin copolymers are engineering thermoplastics derived from the ring-shaped norbornene molecule. It is in turn made from dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and ethylene.

Key Properties

Cyclo-Olefins exhibit:

•         Glass-like transparency and high light transmittance

•         Low dielectric loss

•         Low water absorption

•         Low outgassing

•         Excellent dimensional stability

•         High heat resistance

•         Good chemical resistance

•         Hydrophobic properties

•         High melt flow rates allowing precise moulding

•         Lower density than glass

Applications

Cyclo-Olefins are used for:

•         Light guide panels

•         Laptop computer screens

•         Contact lenses

•         Compact discs

•         Barrier sheets in medical applications

•         Packaging films and blister packs for medication packaging in which case a layer of cyclo-olefin copolymer may be laminated between layers of polypropylene.

•         Bottles such as those used for cosmetic packaging

•         Lenses

•         Automotive parts

•         Industrial parts

Primary author: AZoM.com