Influence of Metal-Alkyls on Early-Stage Ethylene Polymerization over a Cr/SiO₂ Phillips Catalyst: A Bulk Characterization and X-ray Chemical Imaging Study.

ABSTRACT: The Cr/SiO₂ Phillips catalyst has taken a central role in ethylene polymerization since its invention in 1953. The uniqueness of this catalyst is related to its ability to produce broad molecular weight distribution (MWD) PE materials as well as that no co-catalysts are required to attain activity. Nonetheless, co-catalysts in the form of metal-alkyls can be added for scavenging poisons, enhancing catalyst activity, reducing the induction period, and tailoring polymer characteristics. The activation mechanism and related polymerization mechanism remain elusive, despite extensive industrial and academic research. Here, we show that by varying the type and amount of metal-alkyl co-catalyst, we can tailor polymer properties around a single Cr/SiO₂ Phillips catalyst formu

SUBMITTER: Jongkind MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7898848 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature