Apart from making adhesives, paints and inks, dicyclopentadiene is also used for making many larger components through the usage of reaction injection molding techniques. A thermoset plastic employed as an alternative for concrete and metals, DCPD is used in making decks, boat hulls, farm machinery, panels on vehicle bodies, fan shrouds, protective shielding and other products required to stand tall against impacts.



Manufacturing Parts from Dicyclopentadiene

Dicyclopentadiene is an end product received mainly from heating crude oil, naphtha, or other gas-based oils. Manufacturers make use of the RIM process for the production of large parts with dicyclopentadiene. 

This technique for molding lets the production of pieces that are stronger than the ones produced by conventional injection molding. These products still have the, strength, and aesthetics which is the salient feature of DCPD.  The main advantage of the use of a RIM process to for the fabrication of parts out of dicyclopentadiene is the ease in the fabrication of these larger components.

Salient Features and Advantages of Dicyclopentadiene

DCPD has numerous advantages over steel, wood, fiberglass, or other thermosetting plastics. It does the job well even after recurrent impacts, accompanied by exposure to heat and chemicals. Owing to its lightweight, vehicles with fenders, bumpers, and body panels made from DCPD also consume lesser amount of fuel.

There are also some advantages in store for the products made from DCPD

•    Better surface finishes
•    Can be made with larger surface areas
•    Does not succumb to rust
•    It is durable and flexible
•    Good strength to weight ratio
•    It has a low average density

The Use of Reaction Injection Molding for the Formulation of Dicyclopentadiene

The manufacturing of large parts needs a closed mold and a tad moisture or oxygen. Making use of a catalyst like tungsten or molybdenum, two streams of dicyclopentadiene are injected at the same time, bringing about a chemical reaction.