Ethylene polymerization over a nano-sized silica supported Cp2ZrCl2/MAO catalyst

Nano-sized and micro-sized silica particles were used to support Cp₂ZrCl₂/MAO catalyst for ethylene polymerization. Nano-sized catalyst exhibited much better ethylene polymerization activity than micro-sized catalyst. At the optimum temperature of 60 °C, nano-sized catalyst’s activity was 4.35 times the micro-sized catalyst’s activity, which was attributed to the large specific external surface area, the absence of internal diffusion resistance, and the better active site dispersion for the nano-sized catalyst. Polymers produced were characterized with SEM, XRD, DSC, and densimeter. SEM indicated that the resulting polymer morphology contained discrete tiny particles and thin long fiberous interlamellar links.     

Characterization of polyethylene/kaolin composites by polymerization filling with Cp2ZrCl2/MAO catalyst system

In this work, the preparation and characterization of metallocene‐catalyzed polyethylene (PE)/kaolin composites were presented. The composites was prepared by the so‐called polymerization‐filling method in which the PE matrix was formed directly on the kaolin surface by ethylene polymerization with the prefixed Cp₂ZrCl₂/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalyst system on the kaolin surface. SEM, FTIR, and DMA were carried out to characterize the composites. The experimental results showed the new composites had homogeneous distribution of kaolin particles in the PE matrix and strong interfacial interaction between the PE matrix and kaolin particles. At the molecular level, the interfacial interaction caused the decrease of the mobility of PE molecular chains. In addition rheological testing showed that the introduction of kaolin by polymerization filling could improve the rheological behavior of prepared composites. The relationship between the rheological behaviors and the interfacial conditions were discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2913–2921, 2002     

Copolymerization of ethylene and 1-octadecene with the Cp2ZrCl2/MAO and Cp2HfCl2/MAO catalyst systems

Summary The comparison of the copolymers obtained with the Cp₂ZrCl₂/MAO and Cp₂HfCl₂/MAO catalyst systems showed that the catalyst having hafnocene was much more reactive towards 1-octadecene than zirconocene. The comonomer concentration had to be three times higher in the zirconocene copolymerization than in the hafnocene copolymerization when the level of 6 mol-% was reached. Although the hafnocene catalyst was more reactive towards 1-octadecene, the molecular weights were higher than in the copolymers obtained with the zirconocene catalyst.The total activity of the zirconocene was 10 times higher than with the hafnocene catalyst. With the zirconocene catalyst the activity towards ethylene was constantly increasing by increasing the comonomer concentration but stayed nearly constant with the hafnocene catalyst. It seemed that there is no rate enhancement effect upon comonomer addition with the hafnocene catalyst.     

Nano‐sized silica supported Me2Si(Ind)2ZrCl2/MAO catalyst for ethylene polymerization

Nano‐sized and micro‐sized silica particles were used to support a zirconocene catalyst [racemic‐dimethylsilbis(1‐indenyl)zirconium dichloride], with methylaluminoxane as a cocatalyst. The resulting catalyst was used to catalyze the polymerization of ethylene in the temperature range of 40–70°C. Polyethylene samples produced were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Nano‐sized catalyst exhibited better ethylene polymerization activity than micro‐sized catalyst. At the optimum temperature of 60°C, nano‐sized catalyst's activity was two times the micro‐sized catalyst's activity. Polymers obtained with nano‐sized catalyst had higher molecular weight (based on GPC measurements) and higher crystallinity (based on XRD and DSC measurements) than those obtained with micro‐sized catalyst. The better performances of nano‐sized catalyst were attributed to its large external surface area and its absence of internal diffusion resistance. SEM indicated that polymer morphology contained discrete tiny particles with thin long fiberous interlamellar links. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

高分子载体负载Cp2ZrCl2/MAO催化剂及其催化乙烯聚合的研究

苯乙烯、2-乙烯基苯和烯丙基取代的茂金属催化剂进行共聚,合成高分子化的茂金属催化剂。该茂金属催化剂用于乙烯聚合反应活性较高,在聚合工艺条件为75 ℃,压力1.4 MPa,n(Al)∶n(Zr)=400时,活性可达1.95×10⁷ g·（mol·h）^－1,并可控制聚合物的形态。     

Preparation of nanopolyethylene wire with carbon nanotubes‐supported Cp2ZrCl2 catalyst

Nanowires were prepared by ethylene polymerization in situ with carbon nanotubes (CNTs)‐supported Cp₂ZrCl₂ catalyst. It was found that the metallocene catalyst was first adsorbed on the surface of the CNTs and then the polymerization of ethylene was initiated. The resulting PE could encapsulate on the surface of the CNTs to form nanowire. The diameter of nanowire could be controlled easily by the polymerization conditions. The possible mechanism of formation of nanopolyethylene wire is proposed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 1291–1294, 2006     

Structure and properties of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes/polyethylene nanocomposites synthesized by in situ polymerization with supported Cp2ZrCl2 catalyst

Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization with MWCNTs supported Bis‐ (cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride (Cp₂ZrCl₂) catalyst. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) results implied that Cp₂ZrCl₂ catalyst was immobilized in the surface of the MWCNTs supports via a bridge of methylaluminoxane (MAO). The efficient dispersion of MWCNTs in PE matrix and the strong compressive forces associated with PE on the MWCNTs were demonstrated by means of transmission electron microscope (TEM), FESEM and Raman spectra. With introducing 0.2 wt% MWCNTs, both the tensile strength and elongation of MWCNTs/PE nanocomposite were improved by factors of 1.6 (from 29 to 45 MPa) and 1.5 (from 909% to 1360%) comparing with the pure PE, respectively. Morphology observation of fractured surface revealed that the PE firmly adhered to the nanotubes, which was responsible for the significant improvement of the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Thermal stabilities of the nanocomposites were significantly improved. In addition, the MWCNTs/PE nanocomposites showed very high ultraviolet (UV) shielding property, which could increase photooxidative stability of the PE. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Ethylene polymerization with Cp2ZrCl2 supported on dealuminated Y zeolite

Y zeolites with different aluminium contents obtained by dealumination with ammonium hexafluorosilicate were evaluated as supports for bis(cyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride catalysts. The activities of the supported and homogeneous systems were compared for ethylene polymerization. The most active heterogeneous catalyst was the one supported on the zeolite with the higher Si/Al ratio and external area. Received: 5 June 1997/Revised: 2 September 1997/Accepted: 9 September 1997     

The influence of the preparing conditions of SiO2 supported Cp2ZrCl2 catalyst on ethylene polymerization

In this work, ethylene was polymerized by using Cp₂ZrCl₂ supported on silica pretreated with methylaluminoxane (MAO) as the catalyst system. The influence of the conditions for the preparation of the heterogeneous catalyst, such as temperature, washing method of the catalytic solid, MAO and metallocene concentration in the support treatment, time of MAO, and metallocene immobilization on the support, type of alkylaluminum used in the support pretreatment, and calcination temperature of the support were investigated. Aluminum and zirconium content fixed on the silica surface were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy. Polymer characteristics were determined by gel permeation chromatography and differential scanning calorimetry. According to the results, the activity of some supported catalysts were far higher than with the homogeneous system. Moreover, polyethylene with very high molecular weights were also obtained and with molecular weight distribution larger than those produced with the homogeneous precursor. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 2054–2061, 2002     

Rheology of polycarbonate/linear low density polyethylene blends

The flow behavior of linear low density polyethylene blended with polycarbonate (LLDPE/PC) was studied at 245°C using an Instron Capillary Rheometer and a Rheometrics Mechanical Spectrometer. The capillary measurements were repeated several times for each crosshead speed and capillary. The averaged values were corrected for shear heating as well as the pressure, entrance-exit, and power-law fluid effects. In spite of the utmost care, blend results were erratic with a standard deviation of 25 to 35 percent. Analysis of the capillary data suggested a telescopic flow with the lower viscosity component of the blend migrating toward the capillary wall. The experimental difficulties resulted from the flow and time induced variations of blend morphology. By contrast, the dynamic shear test results were found to be rapid and reproducible with a standard deviation for the complex viscosity of blends not exceeding four percent. The shear moduli of blends indicated the presence of an apparent (time dependent) yield stress, originating from interaction between domains of the dispersed phase. At frequencies exceeding a critical value, shear coalescence of the dispersed phase was observed near the rim of the rheometer plates.     

Ethylene polymerization with hybrid nickel diimine/Cp2TiCl2 catalyst: a new method to prepare blends of linear and branched polyethylene

Blends of linear polyethylene (LPE) and branched polyethylene (BPE) display very good mechanic properties that can be beneficial for various applications such as shear thinning and melt elasticity. LPE, BPE and amorphous polyethylene can be produced using nickel diimine (DMN) catalyst under various polymerization conditions, while LPE can be obtained using metallocene catalyst. Thus, LPE/BPE blends can be achieved by in situ polymerization using a hybrid DMN/metallocene catalyst. A novel hybrid catalyst made of DMN and Cp₂TiCl₂ was designed and used for ethylene polymerization. A synergistic effect of the two active sites in the hybrid DMN/metallocene catalyst was observed. Blends of linear and low branched polyethylene were synthesized when polymerization was conducted at low temperature (0 °C), while blends of linear and highly branched polyethylene were obtained at high temperature (50 °C). However, the miscibility of the polymers obtained at 50 °C was dramatically reduced as compared to those obtained at 0 °C. Mesoporous particles (MCM‐41) consisting of aluminosilicate with cylindrical pores were used to support the hybrid catalyst, in which MCM‐41 provides sufficient nanoscale pores to facilitate the polymerization in well‐controlled confined spaces. Blends of LPE and BPE were synthesized by in situ polymerization without adding comonomer and characterized. The miscibility of the polymer blends can be improved by supporting the hybrid catalyst on MCM‐41. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

用Cp*TiCl3/MAO催化体系合成间规聚苯乙烯

介绍了以Cp TiCl3 为主催化剂、MAO为助催化剂组成催化体系制备间规聚苯乙烯的实验室方法 ,研究了试验条件变化对聚合反应的影响。合适的聚合反应条件是 :反应温度 5 0℃ ,Al/Ti摩尔比在 5 0 0～ 30 0 0之间 ,催化剂浓度 0 .5× 1 0 - 4 ～ 1 .5× 1 0 - 4 mol·L- 1 ,反应时间 1～2h,催化剂有较高的活性 ,聚合反应能平稳进行。得到间规度大于 97%以上的聚苯乙烯 ,并有很高收率     

Uniaxial orientation of linear low density polyethylene

Only a few reported studies have involved the uniaxial orientation of LDPE and even less on LLDPE. It is our purpose to report on characteristics of uniaxially oriented films of LLDPE that contribute to property development. The LLDPE has been coextruded at 25 and at 80°C layered as ribbons within longitudinally split billets of HDPE. The LLDPE so drawn was characterized by thermal analysis, birefringence, elastic recovery, and wide angle X-ray measurements. As a result, we can conclude that the drawing of LLDPE at the lower temperature produces a relatively high content of monoclinic crystals; the orientation behavior of LLDPE is similar to that of HDPE. The molecular network formed by entanglements and crystals reduces the draw to a maximum below 15.     

Crystallization behavior of carbon nanofiber/linear low density polyethylene nanocomposites

Crystallization behavior of LLDPE nanocomposites is reported in the presence of three types of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) (MJ, PR‐19, and PR‐24). During nonisothermal crystallization studies, all three crystalline melting peaks for LLDPE matrix were observed in the presence of PR‐19 nanofibers (up to 15 wt % content), but only the high‐ and low‐temperature peaks were observed in the presence MJ nanofibers. The broad melting peak at low‐temperature became bigger, suggesting an increase in the relative content of thinner lamellae in the presence of MJ nanofibers. TEM results of nanocomposites revealed transcrystallinity of LLDPE on the surface of CNFs, and a slightly broader distribution of lamellar thickness. STEM studies revealed a rougher surface morphology of the MJ nanofibers relative to that of PR nanofibers. Also, BET studies confirmed a larger specific surface area of MJ nanofibers relative to that of PR nanofibers, suggesting that the larger and the rougher surface of MJ nanofibers contributes toward the different crystallization behavior of MJ/LLDPE nanocomposites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007     

Crystallization behaviour of isotactic polypropylene/linear low density polyethylene blends

Crystallization behaviour of isotactic polypropylene/linear low density polyethylene (iPP/LLDPE) blends has been investigated by optical microscopy and DSC. Crystallization of iPP depends upon blend composition and thermal history. When blended with LLDPE, the crystallization temperature of iPP, T_c, decreased slightly. Crystallinity did not change in the range 0-80wt% LLDPE; there were only slight changes in the crystalline structure, but LLDPE seemed to resist forming the β type of spherulites. Below 80 wt% of LLDPE, iPP was a continuous phase. The iPP spherulite growth rate was almost constant; however, overall crystallization decreased due to decreasing primary nuclei density.     

Supercritical CO2 welding of laminated linear low density polyethylene films

Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC CO₂) is used as a reversible plasticizing agent to promote solvent welding in highly oriented LLDPE films. These films are laid up in a quasi‐Isotropic fashion to enhance material properties in all directions. It is shown tht, after processing, the oriented morphology and crystallinity are effectively unchanged. These laminated films are investigated both physically and mechanically. The mechanical strength of laminate interfaces is tested using a T‐Peel test. Tensile properties of the laminated film are evaluated and compared to the single oriented plies. Tear resistance is measured using a single specimen J_1C.     

Ethylene polymerization with methylaluminoxane/(nBuCp)2ZrCl2 catalyst supported on silica and silica‐alumina at different AlMAO/Zr molar ratios

Methylaluminoxane (MAO)/(nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ metallocene catalytic system was supported on silica and silica‐alumina. The Zr loading was varied between 0.2–0.4 wt %, and the MAO amount was calculated to get (Al_MAO/Zr) molar ratios between 100 and 200, suitable for the industrial ethylene polymerization of supported metallocene catalysts. Catalytic activity was statistically analyzed through the response surface method. Within the ranges studied, it was found that Zr loading had a negative effect on polymerization activity, which increases with the (Al_MAO/Zr) molar ratio. Catalysts supported on silica‐alumina are more active than those supported on silica, needing less MAO to reach similar productivity, which constitutes an important advantage from an economical and environmental point of view. Supported catalysts were characterized by ICP‐AES, SEM‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometer, and UV‐Vis spectroscopy, whereas polyethylenes were characterized by GPC and DSC. Molecular weight and crystallinity are not influenced by Zr loading or (Al_MAO/Zr) ratio, in the range studied. In general, silica‐supported MAO/(nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ catalysts give polyethylenes with higher molecular weight and polydispersity but lower crystallinity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Financial incentive of linear low density polyethylene blends

The key to successfully implementing polymer blends in end-use applications includes an understanding of performance requirements and the physical property balance of the blend, as well as the provision of financial incentive to the fabricator, The economic gain is calculated for two cases where blends were introduced to displace another material: a blend which gives higher productivity for blown film applications and a blend which allows for increased flow and a gage reduction for an injection molding application. As the resin cost usually accounts for more than seventy percent of the final product cost, the resin or blend cost affects the economic gain (if any) from the fabricator's point of view. Therefore, successful commercial implementation of a new resin or blend depends on its relative cost and benefit to other commercially available materials.     

开口剂在LLDPE中的应用

通过无机、有机、复配开口剂对线型低密度聚乙烯(LLDPE)爽滑、开口性能的改进研究发现,添加复配开口剂可使LLDPE薄膜获得理想的爽滑、开口性能,并在LLDPE装置上成功实现工业化生产,且生产平稳可控.工业化产品测试结果表明:LLDPE产品PE-l的熔体流动速率为2.0 g/10 min,拉伸屈服应力为10.20 MPa;薄膜雾度为28.1%,动摩擦系数为0.342,静摩擦系数为0.307,薄膜爽滑、开口性能得到大幅改进,满足质量指标要求.     

In situ copolymerization of ethylene to produce linear low‐density polyethylene by Ti(OBu)4/AlEt3‐MAO/SiO2/Et(Ind)2ZrCl2

Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) is produced in a reactor from single ethylene feed by combining Ti(OBu)₄/AlEt₃, capable of forming α‐olefins (predominantly 1‐butene), with SiO₂‐supported Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ (denoted MAO/SiO₂/Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂), which is able to copolymerize ethylene and 1‐butene in situ with little interference in the dual‐functional catalytic system. The two catalysts in the dual‐functional catalytic system match well because of the employment of triethylaluminum (AlEt₃) as the single cocatalyst to both Ti(OBu)₄ and MAO/SiO₂/Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂, exhibiting high polymerization activity and improved properties of the obtained polyethylene. There is a noticeable increment in catalytic activity when the amount of Ti(OBu)₄ in the reactor increases and 1‐butene can be incorporated by about 6.51 mol % in the backbone of polyethylene chains at the highest Ti(OBu)₄ concentration in the feed. The molecular weights (M_w), melting points, and crystallinity of the LLDPE descend as the amount of Ti(OBu)₄ decreases, which is attributed mainly to chain termination and high branching degree, while the molecular weight distribution remains within a narrow range as in the case of metallocene catalysts. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 2451–2455, 2004