Abstract: A process for the copolymerization of ethylene and ?-olefins which utilizes a mixed modifier comprised of a conjugated diene and alkoxysilane is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for modifying polyolefin-clay nanocomposites is disclosed. The method comprises shearing a melt of solution-prepared nanocomposites at an effective shear rate. The modified nanocomposite shows significantly decreased complex melt viscosity, storage modulus, and loss modulus.

Abstract: The invention relates to supports comprising inorganic oxide nanoparticles coated with magnesium chloride and a method for making them. The inorganic oxide has a mean particle diameter of less than 5 microns and is used as a seed to crystallize magnesium chloride from solution. The magnesium chloride-coated inorganic oxide is useful for supporting transition metal compounds; the supported transition metal compounds are used as catalysts for polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: A process for copolymerizing ethylene with vinylsilanes is disclosed. The process uses a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and cocatalyst wherein the Ziegler-Natta catalyst is prepared from a Group 4-6 halogen-containing transition metal and a mixture of an organomagnesium compound and a silicon-containing compound. Silane-functionalized polyolefins produced using the process can be crosslinkable and can be used to bond polyolefins to polysiloxanes or other functionalized polymers.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The process uses a hydrosilane in a polymerization catalyzed by an open architecture, bridged indenoindolyl organometallic complex and an activator. Polyolefins from the process have increased molecular weight.