Synthesis of (Ind)2ZrCl2 Catalyst for Copolymerization of Ethylene and Propylene: Parameters Effect on Productivity

Abstract

Bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride as a catalyst was synthesized using a modified method at the room temperature. Polymerization of ethylene and copolymerization of ethylene and propylene were carried out by this metallocene catalyst. Ethylene propylene (P/E) feed ratios of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 were employed into the copolymerization systems. Copolymerization conditions like cocatalyst/catalyst ratio, copolymerization temperature, feed ratio and the viscosity average molecular weight (Mv) changing with copolymerization temperature were investigated. Higher ratio of [Al]/[Zr]=750:1 increased the activity of the catalyst. However, higher concentration of the cocatalyst slightly reduced the activity. Viscosity-average molecular weight of polymer decreased with high ratio of [Al]/[Zr]. The highest activity was obtained at 60oC. Increases in copolymerization temperature decreased the viscosity-average molecular weight and ethylene content of the polymeric products. Increases in propylene content of the feed ratio producedamorphous polymers with products of increased glass transition temperatures.Kinetic reaction displayed a decay type of reaction.

Keywords

• metallocene
• copolymerization
• polyethylene
• ethylen-prolylene copolymer
• homogeneous catalyst