Abstract: A catalyst useful in the polymerization of olefins, especially ethylene, is disclosed. The catalyst is obtained by admixing a zinc composition, a zirconium composition and a vanadium composition. The catalyst may be combined with a co-catalyst and, optionally, a modifier to yield an olefin polymerization system. The catalyst exhibits extremely high activity, good hydrogen response and produces polymers having broad molecular weight distribution ("MWD") and manifesting bimodal MWD profile.

Abstract: Unreacted monomer present in an ethylene/C.sub.3 -C.sub.8 alpha-olefin copolymer product produced in a catalyzed fluid bed polymerization process is purged with a gaseous stream obtained by subjecting a portion of the gaseous effluent from the fluidized bed to a partial condensation, separating the liquid phase from the gaseous phase obtained and employing the gaseous phase as the gas to purge unreacted monomer from the copolymer product.

Abstract: Catalysts useful in olefin polymerization are a mixture of (a) (i) one or more compounds Zn(X.sup.1).sub.2 and one or more compounds Al(R.sup.1).sub.3, or (ii) Zn(X.sup.1).sub.2.2Al(R.sup.1).sub.3, wherein X.sup.1 is halide and R.sup.1 is C.sub.1-12 hydrocarbyl; and (b) one or more of V(X.sup.2).sub.c (OR.sup.2).sub.b-c, VO(X.sup.3).sub.d (OR.sup.3).sub.3-d, or VO(X.sup.4).sub.2, wherein X.sup.2, X.sup.3 and X.sup.4 are halogen, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are C.sub.1-18 hydrocarbyl, b is 3-4, c is 0-b, and d is 0-3; and can contain (c) one or more of M(R.sup.5).sub.e (X.sup.5).sub.3-e, Al.sub.2 (R.sup.5).sub.3 (X.sup.5).sub.3 or Mg(R.sup.6).sub.f Y.sub.2-f, wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are halide, R.sup.1, R.sup.5, R.sup.6 and R.sup.9 are C.sub.1- 12 hydrocarbyl, M is Al or B, e is 0-3, Y is halide, O--(C.sub.1-12 hydrocarbyl) or N(SiR.sup.9.sub.3).sub.2, and f is 0-2.

Abstract: Improved two-component blends which exhibit good adhesion to 4-methylpentene-1 polymers and vinyl alcohol polymers and which may be used as an adhesive interlayer when laminating layers of the polymers are provided. Ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene n-butyl acrylate copolymers, and modified propylene polymers, preferably maleic anhydride grafted statistical propylene-ethylene copolymers and propylene-ethylene impact copolymers, are combined to obtain the blends of the invention. Useful laminated structures comprised of a layer of poly-4 -methylpentene-1 homopolymer or copolymer, a layer of the adhesive blend and a layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with one or more optional layers, such as a paperboard, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A multiple site solid catalyst component capable of producing polyolefins having a broad or multimodal molecular weight distribution, such as a bimodal molecular weight distribution, is prepared by contacting a particulate solid support with a zirconium compound or complex to bind the zirconium compound or complex to the support, optionally followed by contacting the supported zirconium compound or complex with a Lewis acid to produce an intermediate product, optionally isolating and washing the supported zirconium compound or complex or resulting intermediate product to remove soluble by-products therefrom, and reacting the washed or unwashed supported zirconium compound or complex or intermediate product with a titanium or vanadium compound to produce a solid catalyst component.

Abstract: Highly functional grafted polymeric products of a predominantly propylene polymeric composition containing a thermoplastic ethylene-propylene copolymer and a carboxylic acid or derivative grafting monomer and having a desirably low melt flow rate, adhesive blends containing such grafted polymeric products, and composite structures incorporating the adhesive blends are provided. The grafted polymeric product may be prepared by melt grafting in the presence of a free radical generating catalyst and the substantial absence of solvent under shear and at a temperature selected to minimize or avoid premature decomposition of the catalyst and vaporization losses of the catalyst and monomer.

Abstract: A stationary plate assembly for a rheometer that selectively provides steady state and dynamic testing of melt viscoelastic characteristics of a material sample. The stationary plate assembly has a stationary sample plate magnetically coupled to its supporting member. Therefore, after the steady state testing is complete, the movable plate, material sample and stationary plate may be moved vertically away from the stationary plate supporting member. Therefore, any spurious, erratic rotations of the movable plate when the rheometer is switched form the steady state test mode to the dynamic test mode will not cause a further working of the material sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel catalyst component for ethylene polymerization comprising vanadium and titanium. Moreover, when the vanadium/titanium containing catalyst of the present invention is employed with an aluminum-containing cocatalyst enhanced activity as well as melt index is obtained.The present invention is directed to a novel halosilane cocatalyst component which, when used in conjunction with an aluminum containing cocatalyst, is effective in increasing the activity of a silica supported titanium/vanadium containing solid catalyst component in the polymerization of ethylene and/or .alpha.-olefins. In addition to the increased catalytic activity, the polymers produced by the present invention exhibit improved melt index values compared with melt index values typically obtained using prior art catalyst systems. Thus, the catalyst system of the instant invention represent an advancement in the art in view of the combination of increased activity, i.e.

Abstract: A process for making a graft propylene copolymer in which a propylene polymer, selected from the group consisting of propylene homopolymers and propylene copolymers, is contacted with a polymerizable, unsaturated carboxylic acid or acid derivative in the presence of a coagent, having the structural formula (CH.sub.2 .dbd.CR.sup.1 CR.sup.2 R.sup.3.sub.x R, where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are the same or different and are hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, halogen or a heterocyclic radical; x is an integer of 2 to 4; and R is a radical containing at least one atom of oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus or silicon having a valence equal to the value of x, and a free radical generating compound. This contact occurs at a temperature above both the melting point of the propylene polymer and the decomposition temperature of the free radical generating compound.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel halosilane cocatalyst component which, when used in conjunction with an aluminum containing cocatalyst, is effective in increasing the activity of a supported magnesium/titanium containing catalyst in the polymerization of ethylene and .alpha.-olefins. In addition to the increased catalytic activity, the polymers produced by the present invention are characterized as having an unexpected enhancement in the polymer melt index. Thus, the catalyst system of the instant invention represents an advancement in the art in view of the combination of increased activity, i.e., yield of polymer produced, and physical properties of the polyolefin product.In another aspect of the present invention, a process for polymerizing .alpha.-olefins is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a graft propylene copolymer in which a propylene polymer, selected from the group consisting of propylene homopolymers and propylene copolymers, is contacted with a polymerizable, unsaturated carboxylic acid or acid derivative in the presence of a coagent, said coagent selected from the group consisting of a first compound having the structural formula ##STR1## where R is a hydrocarbyl or a radical containing at least one atom of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus or silicon; R.sup.1 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.12 alkyl or aryl; and x is an integer of 1 to 4, and a second compound having the structural formula ##STR2## where R' is a hydrocarbyl or a radical containing at least one atom of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus or silicon; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.1 2 alkyl or aryl; and y is an integer of 2 to 4, and a free radical generating compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fractional melt flow rate powders wherein the particles are substantially spherical in shape and range in size from about 10 up to about 200 microns. The invention also relates to a process whereby a dispersible olefin copolymer resin can be converted into a microfine powder with reduced melt index. The process entails dispersing a molten olefin copolymer resin containing silane functionality in a liquid medium in the presence of a nonionic surfactant and catalyst and, after the melt flow rate is reduced to the desired level, cooling the dispersion to below the melt point of the olefin polymer.

Abstract: A method for pretreatment of a palladium-gold catalyst useful in the synthesis of vinyl acetate. A virgin catalyst, following reduction to the metallic palladium and gold, is first heated at elevated temperatures in the presence of an oxidizing agent such as air. The oxidizing agent is withdrawn and an inert gas such as nitrogen is introduced. The catalyst is heated again at a temperature up to 500.degree. C. in the presence of a reducing agent such as hydrogen or ethylene. Improvements in selectivity and yield are obtained.

Abstract: Improved two-component blends which exhibit good adhesion to 4-methylpentene-1 polymers and vinyl alcohol polymers and which may be used as an adhesive interlayer when laminating layers of the polymers are provided. Ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymers, preferably ethylene n-butyl acrylate copolymers, and modified propylene polymers, preferably maleic anhydride grafted statistical propylene-ethylene copolymers and propylene-ethylene impact copolymers, are combined to obtain the blends of the invention. Useful laminated structures comprised of a layer of poly-4-methylpentene-1 homopolymer or copolymer, a layer of the adhesive blend and a layer of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with one or more optional layers, such as a paperboard, are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fractional melt flow rate powders wherein the particles are substantially spherical in shape and range in size from about 10 up to about 200 microns. The invention also relates to a process whereby a dispersible olefin copolymer resin can be converted into a microfine powder with reduced melt index. The process entails dispersing a molten olefin copolymer resin containing silane functionality in a liquid medium in the presence of a nonionic surfactant and catalyst and, after the melt flow rate is reduced to the desired level, cooling the dispersion to below the melt point of the olefin polymer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel halosilane cocatalyst component which may be used in conjunction with an aluminum-containing cocatalyst to provide enhanced catalytic activity of a vanadium based solid catalyst component in the polymerization of .alpha.-olefins. In addition to the enhancement in the catalytic activity obtaining using the present catalyst system, the resultant polymer produced by the present invention exhibits improved physical properties compared with polymers produced by prior art vanadium based catalyst systems. Thus, the catalyst system of the instant invention represents an advance in the art in view of the combination of increased catalytic activity, i.e. yield of polymer produced, and enhanced physical properties of the polyolefin produced.In accordance with the present invention, a catalyst system is provided which comprises a solid catalyst component and a halosilane cocatalyst component.

Abstract: A bimodal silica gel particle, its method of preparation and its use as a catalyst support in the polymerization of olefins is disclosed. The bimodal silica gel particle exhibits a bimodal pore radius distribution, wherein the silica gel particle has a first average pore radius and a second average pore radius differing by at least about 20 .ANG.. The bimodal silica gel particle is useful as a support for a transition metal-based catalyst to provide a polyolefin having a broad or bimodal molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: Tough, puncture- and tear-resistant films having a high degree of flexibility and softness are provided. The monolayer and multilayer films of the invention are obtained using copolymers of propylene with 8 to 40 weight percent ethylene produced by gas phase polymerization of the monomers in dual reactors. The films will have a 1% secant modulus from 5,000 psi to 70,000 psi. Melting points of these films are higher than that of low density polyethylene and, most generally, in the range 125.degree. C. to 160.degree. C.

Abstract: A highly energy efficient process for removing hydrocarbons from polymer slurries is disclosed. The process includes feeding a hydrocarbon-containing polymer slurry to a flash tank to flash a portion of the hydrocarbon from the slurry. Thereafter, the resulting slurry is fed to a fluid bed dryer wherein additional hydrocarbon is stripped from the polymer. Subsequently, the resulting polymer powder is transferred to a powder silo wherein further hydrocarbon is removed from the polymer utilizing a heated purge gas flowing countercurrent to the polymer powder. The polymer output preferably has a low hydrocarbon content, on the order of 100 ppm or less.

Abstract: Improved filled silane copolymer compositions resistant to premature crosslinking during compounding and storage but which are readily hydrolyzed and undergo cure in the presence of silanol condensation catalyst are provided. The compositions are comprised of random copolymers of ethylene and vinyltriethoxysilane and contain relatively high levels of particulate fillers. Rubbery ethylene copolymers are included with the silane copolymer to produce compositions with superior physical properties. The invention also relates to the method of crosslinking these compositions by combining the filled silane copolymer compositions with a second component which has a silanol condensation catalyst dispersed in a polymer resin.