Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for fabricating elastomeric materials, namely 1,4-polybutadiene and co-polymers of 1,4-polybutadiene. The technique employs frontal ring-opening metathesis polymerization allowing for a rapid and energy efficient means of producing these materials. The materials produced by this technique may be used to fabricate a variety of products including tires, tubes, belts, gaskets, etc. This technology also allows for the rapid fabrication of elastomeric materials with shape memory properties.
