The incorporation of a silyl-protected oxanorbornene imide carborane (SONIC) in polyethylene-like materials is reported. These copolymers were obtained via ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of (SONIC) and cyclooctene followed by hydrogenation with p-toluenesulfonylhydrazide. The composition of the copolymer was varied by altering the feed ratio Structural and thermal properties were investigated and compared with that of a model polymer so as to gauge the impact on the inclusion of the silyl-functionalized carborane An initial observation of the modification of the chain sequence upon changing solvent polarity is also discussed. Finally, the potential utilization of these materials as radiation shielding materials is mentioned (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc J Polym Sci Part A Polym Chem 48 2557-2563, 2010