Embodiments encompassing a series of compositions containing photoacid generator (PAG) and a base are disclosed and claimed. The compositions are useful as permanent dielectric materials. More specifically, embodiments encompassing compositions containing a series of copolymers of a variety of norbornene-type cycloolefinic monomers and maleic anhydride in which maleic anhydride is fully or partially hydrolyzed (i.e., ring opened and fully or partially esterified), PAG and a base, which are useful in forming permanent dielectric materials having utility in a variety of electronic material applications, among various other uses, are disclosed.