Joel Schall, Donghang Xie, and Dr. Harry Gibson
National Science Foundation Science and Technology Center
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24060


ABSTRACT
High performance polymers were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of the 
corresponding macrocycles.  Di-chloro compounds were used to synthesize the 
macrocycles and were shown to be nearly as efficient as the more expensive di-fluoro 
compounds used in the past.  Macrocycles are more soluble and easier to process than 
linear monomers.  With the enhanced cost effectiveness provided by di-chloro starting 
compounds, macrocycles provide a synthesis route which is practical for industrial 
applications such as reaction injection molding.