Copolymers of an olefin or alpha-olefin and a cyclic olefin where the
cyclic olefin comprises greater than 50 mole percent by weight of the
copolymer have been discovered. These copolymers have unique properties,
including low density, high chemical resistance, low elongation to break,
low shrinkage, good processability, low water absorption and good
clarity. The copolymers also may be used as an engineering plastic. A
process for making these copolymers is also disclosed, with the process
comprising reaction of the olefin or alpha-olefin with the cyclic olefin
under polymerization conditions including a catalyst comprising a
metal-ligand complex having a bridged bi-phenyl phenol ligand structure.