Abstract: Loop reactors for olefin polymerization and processes utilizing such loop reactors are described herein. In one or more embodiments, the loop reactor generally includes a plurality of vertical sections; a plurality of elbow sections connecting the vertical sections to either a horizontal section having a horizontal length (LH) or another elbow section, at least one elbow section having an internal diameter (d), a radius (Rc) of an inner curvature and a chord length (W) and wherein the horizontal length (LH) is from 0 feet to 3 feet, the chord length (W) is 250 inches or less and a ratio (Rc/d) of the radius (Rc) of the inner curvature to the internal diameter (d) of the at least one elbow section is maintained from 2 to 4; and at least one loop reaction zone configured to polymerize an olefin monomer in the presence of a liquid diluent into a slurry comprising particles of a polyolefin polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for producing polyolefin, including a polyolefin reactor system having: a first reactor to produce a first reactor discharge stream having a first polyolefin and a first diluent; and a second reactor to receive at least a portion of the first reactor discharge stream and to produce a second reactor discharge stream having a second polyolefin and a second diluent, wherein the second diluent is different than the first diluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, typically using a supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, this invention encompasses precontacting a metallocene with an olefin or alkyne monomer and an organoaluminum compound, prior to contacting this mixture with the acidic activator-support.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of olefin polymerization catalyst compositions, and methods for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins, including polymerization methods using a catalyst composition. One aspect of this invention is the formation and use of a catalyst composition comprising a transition metal compound and an activator for olefin polymerization processes.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed an oxygen barrier composition comprising an oxygen barrier polymer and an oxygen scavenging polymer. The composition can be in the form of a physical blend or a cross-linked blend, and can further comprise a compatibilizer, a transesterification catalyst, or both. Preferably, the oxygen barrier polymer is poly(ethylene/vinyl alcohol) (EVOH), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyamide other than MXD6. Preferably, the oxygen scavenging polymer comprises an ethylenic backbone and a pendant cyclic olefinic group, or the oxygen scavenging polymer is a polyamide derived at least in part from a xylene diamine-based monomer. The oxygen barrier composition can be formed into an oxygen barrier layer of a packaging article. Such layers and articles, and methods for making same, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A family of polymers containing selected cyclic allylic pendent groups for oxygen scavenging packaging which has minimal organoleptic by-products after oxidation.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed modified vinyl alcohol polymers (mPVOH), wherein the mPVOH can comprise structure VII: and at least one structure comprising structure IX: or structure X: wherein —R can independently comprise an unsubstituted hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one alpha hydrogen or a substituted hydrocarbon moiety comprising at least one alpha hydrogen. The mPVOH can be useful in oxygen barrier applications, such as a forming an oxygen barrier layer of a packaging article. Also disclosed are methods of forming mPVOH and methods of using mPVOH to make packaging articles with a superior barrier to entry by atmospheric oxygen.

Abstract: Herein is disclosed multilayer packaging articles comprising an oxygen barrier layer comprising ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) (an “EVOH oxygen barrier layer”); an oxygen scavenging layer adjacent thereto, wherein the oxygen scavenging layer comprises a polymer comprising an ethylenic backbone and a cycloalkenyl group having structure I: wherein q1, q2, q3, q4, and r are independently selected from hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl; m is —(CH2)n—, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 4, inclusive, and, when r is hydrogen, at least one of q1, q2, q3, and q4 is also hydrogen; and a third layer adjacent to the oxygen scavenging layer. In addition to the oxygen scavenging function, the oxygen scavenging layer functions as a tie layer to substantially inhibit delamination of the EVOH oxygen barrier layer from the third layer of the packaging article.

Abstract: A catalyst for the selective hydrogenation of acetylene comprising a support having a uniformly round external surface; palladium in the range of about 0.01 to 1.0 weight percent of the catalyst and substantially all of the palladium being concentrated in a skin periphery of the catalyst; and silver in the range of about 0.5 to 10.0 times the weight of the palladium. Preferably, the support is selected from the group consisting of alumina, titania, zirconia, zinc aluminate, zinc titanate and mixtures thereof, and/or the skin has a thickness less than about 400 microns.

Abstract: Methods of initiating oxygen scavenging are disclosed herein that rely on heat triggering. An oxygen scavenging composition that comprises an oxidizable organic compound and a transition metal catalyst is heated to an extent sufficient to initiate oxygen scavenging. Heat triggering can take place during the manufacture of a film or a packaging article from an oxygen scavenging composition, or it can take place after the film or packaging article has been manufactured.