Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to olefin polymerization catalysts, and more specifically to chromium-based catalysts and methods of use of chromium-based catalysts for the production of polyolefins, and even more specifically to methods for controlling or tailoring the flow index response of chromium-based catalysts through the controlled addition of a reducing agent to the catalysts under controlled mixing conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a polyolefin polymer having improved properties wherein the polymer is produced using a chromium based catalyst in combination with aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts. Also disclosed is a pipe comprising the inventive polymer and a film comprising the inventive polymer, each having improved properties over those known in the art.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts to improve the performance of chromium-based catalysts. The aluminum alkyls allow for the variable control of polymer molecular weight, control of side branching while possessing desirable productivities, and may be applied to the catalyst directly or separately to the reactor. Adding the alkyl aluminum compound directly to the reactor (in-situ) eliminates induction times.

Abstract: Embodiments of our invention relate to processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems including processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions using Ziegler-Natta catalysts systems and chromium-based catalyst systems. Among embodiments contemplated are a method of transitioning from a first catalyst to a second catalyst in an olefin polymerization reactor, comprising: adding to the reactor a deactivating agent (DA) selected from one of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, or combinations thereof; adding to the reactor a cocatalyst adsorbing agent (CAA), comprising an inorganic oxide selected from one of silica, alumina or combinations thereof; wherein the first catalyst comprises at least one conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst, and a cocatalyst, wherein the second catalyst comprises at least one chromium-based catalyst, wherein the reactor is a gas-phase, fluidized bed reactor, and wherein the CAA is substantially free of transition metals.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various processes, including continuous fluidized-bed gas-phase polymerization processes for making a high strength, high density polyethylene copolymer, comprising (including): contacting monomers that include ethylene and optionally at least one non-ethylene monomer with fluidized catalyst particles in a gas phase in the presence of hydrogen gas at an ethylene partial pressure of 100 psi or more and a polymerization temperature of 120° C. or less to produce a polyethylene copolymer having a density of 0.945 g/cc or more and an ESCR Index of 1.0 or more wherein the catalyst particles are prepared at an activation temperature of 700° C. or less, and include silica, chromium, and titanium.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts to improve the performance of chromium-based catalysts. The aluminum alkyls allow for the variable control of polymer molecular weight, control of side branching while possessing desirable productivities, and may be applied to the catalyst directly or separately to the reactor. Adding the alkyl aluminum compound directly to the reactor (in-situ) eliminates induction times.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts to improve the performance of chromium-based catalysts. The aluminum alkyls allow for the variable control of polymer molecular weight, control of side branching while possessing desirable productivities, and may be applied to the catalyst directly or separately to the reactor. Adding the alkyl aluminum compound directly to the reactor (in-situ) eliminates induction times.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a method of polymerizing olefins comprising contacting olefins with a catalyst composition made by the process of combining a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form a catalyst composition. Embodiments of the present invention also include catalyst compositions comprising a hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor made by the process of combining the hindered polyalicyclic alkyl catalyst precursor with a particulate inorganic oxide for a deposition time greater than 2 hours to form the catalyst composition.

Abstract: Broad molecular weight polyethylene and polyethylene having a bimodal molecular weight profile can be produced with chromium oxide based catalyst systems employing alkyl silanols. The systems may also contain various organoaluminum compounds. Catalyst activity and molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene may also be tuned using the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of aluminum alkyl activators and co-catalysts to improve the performance of chromium-based catalysts. The aluminum alkyls allow for the variable control of polymer molecular weight, control of side branching while possessing desirable productivities, and may be applied to the catalyst directly or separately to the reactor. Adding the alkyl aluminum compound directly to the reactor (in-situ) eliminates induction times.

Abstract: Broad molecular weight polyethylene and polyethylene having a bimodal molecular weight profile can be produced with chromium oxide based catalyst systems employing alkyl silanols. The systems may also comprise various organoaluminum compounds. Catalyst activity and molecular weight of the resulting polyethylene may also be tuned using the present invention.

Abstract: A process for producing polymer particles in a gas phase polymerization reaction using a group 4 metal complex containing delocalized &pgr;-electrons and optionally a flow aid.

Abstract: A process for controlling the particle growth of a polymer in a gas phase polymerization reaction by using an inert particulate material and an unsupported liquid polymerization catalyst.

Abstract: A method for passivating internal surfaces of a reactor system during start-up and shutdown of an alpha olefin polymerization or copolymerization reaction by adding a passivation agent such as a dialkyl zinc compound, an alcohol, or an epoxide, to the reactor prior to exposing the internal reactor surfaces to air or moisture before reaction initiation and/or after reaction ceases.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising:(a) a catalyst precursor consisting essentially of the reaction product of vanadium (acetylacetonate).sub.3 and a compound having the formula AlR.sub.(3-a) X.sub.a wherein each R is independently alkyl having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; each X is independently chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and a is 1 or 2; the atomic ratio of aluminum to vanadium in the precursor is 1:1 to 3:1; and the oxidation state of the vanadium in the reaction product is plus 2;(b) optionally, a support for said precursor; and(c) a halide substituted hydrocarbyl aluminum cocatalyst; and(d) optionally, a promoter, which is a chlorinated ester having at least 2 chlorine atoms; a saturated or unsaturated aliphatic halocarbon having at least 3 carbon atoms and at least 6 halogen atoms; or a haloalkyl substituted aromatic hydrocarbon wherein the haloalkyl substituent has at least 3 halogen atoms.

Abstract: A process for producing polyethylene having a broad molecular weight distribution is provided, in which ethylene and optionally a comonomer are contacted in two reactors connected in series, one reactor containing a titanium-based catalyst and the other reactor containing a vanadium-based catalyst and a halohydrocarbon promoter, or alternatively, both reactors containing a mixed metal catalyst comprising both titanium and vanadium. In the latter case, the halohydrocarbon promoter is present in only one of the reactors to activate the vanadium sites of the catalyst and deactivate the titanium sites of the catalyst simultaneously.

Abstract: A process for the production of polyethylenes or EPRs comprising contacting a mixture comprising ethylene, one or more alpha-olefins, and, optionally, a diene, under polymerization conditions, with a catalyst system comprising:(A) a catalyst precursor comprising:(i) a vanadium compound, which is the reaction product of(a) VX.sub.3 wherein each X is independently chlorine, bromine, or iodine; and(b) an electron donor, which is a liquid, organic Lewis base in which VX.sub.3 is soluble;(ii) a modifier having the formula BX.sub.3 or AlR.sub.(3-a) X.sub.a wherein each R is independently alkyl having 1 to 14 carbon atoms; each X is as defined above; and a is 0, 1, or 2; and(iii) a support for said vanadium compound and modifier,said catalyst precursor being in an independent or prepolymerized state,(B) a cocatalyst consisting of a compound having the formula AlR.sub.(3-a) X.sub.