Abstract
It has been reported that bicyclic orthoester derivatives advance cationic polymerization without volume change. Bicyclic orthoesters having hydroxy groups (BOE), in this paper, also advanced both cationic ring-opening polymerization and crosslinking. The BOE gave THE soluble polyethers [Poly (BOE)] in the cationic ring opening polymerization at 80-130°C. Furthermore, the soluble Poly (BOE) and crosslinked polyethers [Crosslinked Poly (BOE)] were obtained in the polymerization at 150-180°C. This crosslinking reaction of Poly (BOE) may be caused by dehydration of methylol groups formed in the side chain of Poly (BOE). The volume changes on cationic polymerization and crosslinking of BOE showed to bring about low shrinkage.
