This review article summarises the academic work in the fields of initiator development, polymer chemistry and physics, composites, self-healing composites, novel processing opportunities and macro-as well as microporous materials.

A simple formulation of a stable high internal phase emulsion of dicyclopentadiene which is cured by using properly selected ring opening metathesis polymerization initiators yields highly porous monolithic materials with paramount mechanical properties and the possibility of easy functionalisation.

Surfactant stabilized emulsions of dicyclopentadiene and 50%, 60%, 70% or 80% of water were cured using ring opening metathesis polymerisation. All formulations gave open porous architectures featuring excellent mechanical properties which change upon oxidation.