Hoechst AG (D-65926 Frankfurt) and Mitsui Sekka, Tokyo, have widened the scope of their R&D agreement on cycloolefin copolymers (COC) to include joint pilot production using the new metallocene catalyst technology developed by Hoechst, as well as evaluation of worldwide markets and the distribution of sample quantities. Plans call for Mitsui to convert its 3,000 t/y production plant for COC polymers at Iwakuni, Japan, to use the Hoechst catalyst technology. Mitsui will assume responsibility for market evaluation in Asia, while Hoechst will study markets in Europe and the Americas.

COCs are amorphous thermoplastics with high transparency, low birefringence and good heat stability, as well as chemical and moisture resistance. According to Hoechst, the new metallocene catalysts allow further improvement of optical properties, while tailoring flowability to end-use requirements. Along with optics, the polymers are also used in medical and data storage applications and can also be blended with plastics and rubber.