Dicyclopentadiene DCPD
Dicyclopentadiene (often shortened to DCPD) is a thermoset plastic used for making adhesives, paints and inks, it also used for making many larger components through the usage of reaction injection moulding techniques. As a thermoset plastic it can be 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 moulding lets the production of pieces that are stronger than the ones produced by conventional injection moulding. 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.
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
At the time, when liquid DCPD and catalyst mix, heat rapidly transforms the material inside the mould into a solid thermoset. Parts usually cure in just a couple of minutes, while the entire process takes around 4-6 minutes, dependent on the size of the parts. After removing them from the mould, components formulated from DCPD need no additional curing.
Parts, made with the help of the DCPD RIM procedure produce a surface, which is easily paintable, smooth and glossy in finish. Paints readily combine well with the exteriors made from DCPD, letting manufacturers to coat them in nearly any colour.
It is because of the increasing use of dicyclopentadiene for resins, polymers and other specialty chemicals, the demand for the same is on the rise, and will reach to a value of USD 1,373.9 million by the end of this decade. For further details visit Dicyclopentadiene Market Growth Factors, and Demand
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Cladding.
- Construction materials.
- Construction plastics market.
- ETFE.
- Fabric structures.
- Glass reinforced plastic GRP.
- India looks at using plastic instead of sand.
- Nylon.
- Paint.
- Plasticisation.
- Plastic and recycling.
- Polyethylene.
- Polymers.
- Recyclable construction materials.
- Rubber.
- Sandwich panel.
- Thermoplastic materials in buildings.
- Transparent insulation materials.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- Weatherboarding.
Featured articles and news
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.



















