We have developed a highly reliable approach for the preparation of functional polymeric materials utilizing ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Examining the chemical/physical properties of these functional norbornene-based homopolymers will lead to a better understanding of the changes in their properties upon incorporation with inorganic materials (SiO2, gold, and/or Fe2O3). The resulting nanocomposites can then serve as environmental responsive materials for coatings, mechanical reinforcement, electro-optical applications, and biological delivery.
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