Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-03-05 Origin: Site
Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) is obtained through the ring-opening metathesis polymerization of DCPD in the presence of classical metathesis catalysts or carbene-type catalysts. The key aspects of its preparation process lie in monomer purification, polymerization catalysts, injection molding, and mold design. PDCPD simultaneously possesses high modulus, high impact resistance, and high creep resistance, along with excellent environmental adaptability. Its main competitors in primary application fields are nylon and polyurethane.
(1) Balanced Mechanical Properties. It combines high impact strength with a high flexural modulus, outperforming both nylon and polyurethane in both metrics. This makes it particularly suitable for surface trim parts and structural components.
(2) Excellent Low-Temperature Performance. Its physical properties are less susceptible to temperature changes. It does not become brittle even in low-temperature environments (e.g., -30°C), making it ideal for components used in cold conditions.
(3) Good Chemical Resistance. It exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, with particular resistance to acids and alkalis, making it suitable for components requiring chemical resistance.
(4) Superior Paintability. An oxide film forms on the surface after molding, providing good adhesion with paints. It can also be electroplated.
(5) Low Density. At 23°C, the density of PDCPD parts is 1.04 g/cm³, contributing to lightweight component design.
(6) Environmental Friendliness. PDCPD demonstrates significant environmental friendliness in both its processing technology and the final product. The processing energy consumption is very low. Waste materials and discarded parts can be reprocessed, ground, and granulated for use as filler in thermoplastics like PP and PE. End-of-life PDCPD products also serve as excellent high-calorific solid fuel, burning completely without residue, and can be crushed as filler for certain reconstituted panels.
(1) Lightweight Transportation: Housings, exterior body panels, interiors, air conditioning components, etc.
(2) Sanitary Ware Products.
(3) Electrical Equipment: Medical devices, housings for large electrical equipment, durable parts for bank ATMs, etc.
(4) Sports & Recreation: Canoes, snowmobiles, surfboards, golf carts, etc.
(5) Lightweight Logistics Tools: Containers, pallets, refrigerated/insulated truck bodies.
(6) Eco-Friendly Chemical Containers & Piping: Wastewater treatment tanks, equipment and piping for the chlor-alkali industry, etc.
(7) Drones: Internationally, using this dicyclopentadiene-based plastic has reduced the weight of small drones from 2.35 kg to 1.13 kg!
The production of Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) is primarily concentrated in the United States, Europe, Japan, and the emerging market of China.
United States: There are mainly two suppliers of PDCPD-RIM materials:
Metton America, which acquired the Metton business from Hercules Corporation in 1995.
Telene Company, a joint venture established in 2000 between BFGoodrich (USA) and Advanced Polymer Technologies (APT) of Texas.
Metton and Telene are registered brands for PDCPD materials traded in the European and Japanese markets.
Additionally, several smaller PDCPD product companies exist in the U.S.:
Global Glass Reinforced Plastics Company (Elkhart, Indiana) manufactured box truck panels using PDCPD in 1990.
Romeo RIM Molding Company (Michigan) produces PDCPD peripheral components for agricultural and heavy-duty trucks.
Reckitt Company (Ohio) focuses on PDCPD applications in railway sleepers.
Meridian Automotive Systems (Michigan) established its first PDCPD operation in Salisbury, North Carolina, specifically for manufacturing heavy-duty truck components.
Other companies with PDCPD-RIM molding technology and mold-making expertise include Osborne Industries (Kansas) and 3Q Allmandy Company (Michigan).
United Kingdom: Rolf Niederhausen, Managing Director of LMC Technology Ltd., a UK-based company involved in PDCPD product manufacturing, stated that the most exciting applications in Europe involve producing PDCPD components for heavy vehicles from Volvo Trucks, Caterpillar Inc., and John Deere.
Japan: PDCPD manufacturers in Japan include Sojitz Corporation (with METTON® LMR), Teijin Limited, and Zeon Corporation (with PENTAM®). A large portion of Japan's PDCPD market consists of large wastewater treatment tanks (440 lbs and above) and automotive bumpers. Notably, both Nissan and Toyota utilize PDCPD for bumpers.
China: In the past five years, DCPD-RIM technology has gained popularity in China. However, a significant gap remains compared to foreign countries. The overall research and development capabilities, ranging from fundamental catalyst systems and production equipment to processes and related products, are still very weak.
Currently, Taizhou Huangyan Shengfa Mould Co., Ltd. holds a 90% market share in relevant domestic mould segments. Its customer network covers the world's top equipment manufacturers, including international leading brands such as Caterpillar and JLG from the United States, Doosan and Hyundai from South Korea, Volvo from Sweden, and Komatsu from Japan.
The company has taken the lead in introducing Japanese nickel electroforming technology, providing customers with one-stop solutions covering cost control, scheme planning and source design. It effectively addresses core pain points in the industry and continues to lead the sector with its technological advantages and service capabilities.
