Patents by Inventor Max McDaniel

Max McDaniel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20060100401
    Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, a third metallocene compound, a chemically-treated solid oxide, and an organoaluminum compound are provided. Methods for preparing and using the catalyst and polyolefins are also provided. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers having decreased haze while minimizing impact on other properties, such as dart impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Publication date: May 11, 2006
    Inventors: Joel Martin, Elizabeth Benham, Mark Kertok, Michael Jensen, Max McDaniel, Gil Hawley, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn, Ashish Sukhadia
  • Publication number: 20060094841
    Abstract: This invention provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer This invention also provides catalyst compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said catalyst composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted fluorided silica-alumina.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Gil Hawley
  • Publication number: 20060094590
    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 supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of at least one metallocene compound, at least one organochromium compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Publication date: May 4, 2006
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Kathy Collins, Joel Martin, Gil Hawley
  • Publication number: 20060079656
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to PE-100 ethylene copolymers and pipe made thereof having a Tabor abrasion between about 0.01 and about 0.001 grams lost/1000 revolutions. These copolymers are formed by contacting ethylene with at least one mono-1-olefin comonomer having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent, a catalyst system, and a cocatalyst. Additionally, the comonomers may be selected from mono-1-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as, 1-hexene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, and 1-decene. Further, these ethylene copolymers may be employed to produce PE-100 pipe having both small diameters and diameters in excess of 42 inches substantially without sagging or other gravitational deformation. Copolymers of ethylene and 1-hexene are disclosed which are used to produce PE-100 pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Publication date: April 13, 2006
    Inventors: Paul DesLauriers, Max McDaniel, Al Wolfe, Pamela Maeger, William Coutant, David Rohlfing, Steven Secora, William Beaulieu, Elizabeth Benham, David Register
  • Publication number: 20060025546
    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 supported catalyst composition. In one aspect, the present invention encompasses a catalyst composition comprising the contact product of a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. The new resins were characterized by useful properties in impact, tear, adhesion, sealing, extruder motor loads and pressures at comparable melt index values, and neck-in and draw-down.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Max McDaniel, Joel Martin, Elizabeth Benham, Randy Muninger, Gary Jerdee, Ashish Sukhadia, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn
  • Publication number: 20050288470
    Abstract: A copolymer of ethylene and a higher alpha olefin, preferably 1-hexene, can be produced using an activated chromium containing catalyst system and a cocatalyst selected from the group consisting of trialkylboron, trialkylsiloxyalutninum, and a combination of trialkylboron and thalkylaluminum compounds. The polymerization process must be carefully controlled to produce a copolymer resin having an exceptionally broad molecular weight distribution, extremely high PENT ESCR values, and a natural branch profile that impacts branching preferably into the high molecular weight portion of the polymer. The resulting copolymer resin is especially useful in high stiffness pipe applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Elizabeth Benham, Paul DesLauriers, Max McDaniel, Al Wolfe
  • Publication number: 20050288178
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Gil Hawley, Max McDaniel, Tony Crain, Elizabeth Benham, Joel Martin, Qing Yang
  • Publication number: 20050288462
    Abstract: This invention relates to catalyst compositions, methods, and polymers encompassing a Group 4 metallocene with bridging ?5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, in combination with a cocatalyst and an activator-support. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers with low levels of long chain branching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Max McDaniel, David Rolfing, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn, Ashish Sukhadia, Youlu Yu, Jerry Lanier
  • Publication number: 20050288461
    Abstract: This invention relates to catalyst compositions, methods, and polymers encompassing a Group 4 metallocene with bridging ?5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, in combination with a cocatalyst and an activator-support. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers with low levels of long chain branching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn, Max McDaniel, David Rolfing, Ashish Sukhadia, Youlu Yu, Jerry Lanier
  • Publication number: 20050255987
    Abstract: New methods for activating chromium catalysts for polymerization processes decrease the amount of time required for activation and increase catalyst activity. Rapid heating to a first temperature is followed by a first hold period before heating to a higher second temperature and maintaining the second temperature for a second hold period. In one aspect, the overall activation process takes less than 10 hours.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Publication date: November 17, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham
  • Publication number: 20050245697
    Abstract: A catalyst system composition comprising a chromium compound supported on a silica-titania support, wherein said catalyst system has been reduced with carbon monoxide, and a cocatalyst selected from the group consisting of i) alkyl lithium compounds, ii) dialkyl aluminum alkoxides in combination with at least one metal alkyl selected from the group consisting of alkyl zinc compounds, alkyl aluminum compounds, alkyl boron compounds, and mixtures thereof and iii) mixtures thereof can be used to polymerize olefins to produce a low density polymer with a decreased melt index and/or high load melt index. This catalyst system also can be used with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst system to polymerize olefins. Polymerization processes using these catalyst system compositions are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Publication date: November 3, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Joseph Shveima, Elizabeth Benham, Rolf Geerts, James Smith
  • Publication number: 20050239638
    Abstract: According to an embodiment, catalyst systems for polymerizing olefins include a catalyst comprising chromium and a cocatalyst comprising a substituted or unsubstituted non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl compound (Cp). The catalyst also comprises an inorganic oxide support. In an embodiment, methods of preparing a catalyst comprise contacting a support with chromium and with a non-transition metal Cp compound. In one embodiment, the support may be contacted with a solution comprising the non-transition metal Cp compound prior to entry into a reaction zone. In another embodiment, the activated catalyst and non-transition metal Cp compound may be added separately to the reaction zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Steven Secora, Michael Jensen, Kathy Collins
  • Publication number: 20050239976
    Abstract: Methods of polymerizing at least one olefin include contacting the olefin with a catalyst comprising chromium and with a cocatalyst comprising a non-transition metal cyclopentadienyl (Cp) compound. The polymerization may be performed in the presence of hydrogen. Using the cocatalyst in conjunction with the catalyst increases several properties, such as the high load melt index (HLMI), the MW, and the MN, of the polymers produced by this polymerization method. Polymer compositions produced by such methods have various unique properties, including a PDI greater than about 30. Additional embodiments include articles of manufacture or end use articles formed from such polymer compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Steven Secora, Michael Jensen, Kathy Collins
  • Publication number: 20050239641
    Abstract: Methods of preparing a polymerization catalyst are provided that include contacting a support comprising alumina with a sulfating agent and with chromium. In an embodiment in which the chromium is provided from a chromium compound such as chromium oxide, the support may be calcined after loading the sulfating agent and the chromium on the support. Alternatively, the sulfating agent can be loaded on the support while calcining it. In another embodiment in which the chromium is provided from an organochromium compound, the support may be calcined after contacting it with the sulfating agent and before contacting it with the organochromium compound. Catalysts compositions formed by the foregoing method are provided. In an embodiment, catalyst compositions comprise chromium and a sulfate treated alumina support. The catalyst compositions have an activity for ethylene polymerization that is at least about 25% greater than an activity of the same catalyst without sulfate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Kathy Collins, Elizabeth Benham, Paul DesLauriers
  • Publication number: 20050239977
    Abstract: Methods of producing a polymer include contacting at least one olefin with a catalyst prepared by contacting a support comprising alumina with a sulfating agent and with chromium. Polymer compositions produced in this manner may exhibit relatively low levels of long chain branching and relatively high molecular weights. In an embodiment, polymer compositions with a PDI in a range of from about 6 to about 15 have MW values greater than about 300,000 g/mol and Eo values less than about 1×106 Pa.s. The polymer compositions may further have Theological breadths greater than about 0.25 and relaxation times less than about 10 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Kathy Collins, Elizabeth Benham, Paul DesLauriers
  • Publication number: 20050203265
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of metal-catalyzed olefin polymerization methods and the polymers and films prepared therefrom. In one aspect, this invention provides polyethylene and ethylene/?-olefin copolymers formed in the presence of tightly-bridged metallocene catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, and a chemically-treated solid oxide, and optionally in the presence of additional cocatalysts. The resins and films prepared from these polymers exhibit high haze values, low clarity values, and a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Ashish Sukhadia, Jerry Stark, Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Rajendra Krishnaswamy
  • Publication number: 20050203261
    Abstract: This invention relates to the field of metal-catalyzed olefin polymerization methods and the polymers and films prepared therefrom. In one aspect, this invention provides polyethylene and ethylene/?-olefin copolymers formed in the presence of tightly-bridged metallocene catalyst, organoaluminum cocatalyst, and a chemically-treated solid oxide, and optionally in the presence of additional cocatalysts. The resins and films prepared from these polymers exhibit high haze values, low clarity values, and a low coefficient of friction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Publication date: September 15, 2005
    Inventors: Ashish Sukhadia, Jerry Stark, Max McDaniel, Elizabeth Benham, Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Rajendra Krishnaswamy
  • Publication number: 20050197470
    Abstract: This invention provides a compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer into at least one polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2004
    Publication date: September 8, 2005
    Inventors: Max McDaniel, Elizabeth A. Benham, Shirley Martin, Kathy Collins, James L. Smith, Gil Hawley, Christopher Wittner, Michael Jensen
  • Publication number: 20050159300
    Abstract: This invention relates to catalyst compositions comprising a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, at least one chemically-treated solid oxide, and at least one organoaluminum compound. This invention also relates to methods to prepare and use the catalyst compositions and new polyolefins. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers and copolymers with lower MI, increased melt strength, and good MD tear properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Publication date: July 21, 2005
    Inventors: Michael Jensen, Joel Martin, Max McDaniel, Qing Yang, Matthew Thorn, Elizabeth Benham, Ted Cymbaluk, Ashish Sukhadia, Rajendra Krishnaswamy, Mark Kertok
  • Publication number: 20050154159
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to PE-100 ethylene copolymers and pipe made thereof having a Tabor abrasion between about 0.01 and about 0.001 grams lost/1000 revolutions. These copolymers are formed by contacting ethylene with at least one mono-1-olefin comonomer having from 2 to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule in a reaction zone under polymerization conditions in the presence of a hydrocarbon diluent, a catalyst system, and a cocatalyst. Additionally, the comonomers may be selected from mono-1-olefins having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, such as, 1-hexene, 1-butene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-octene, and 1-decene. Further, these ethylene copolymers may be employed to produce PE-100 pipe having both small diameters and diameters in excess of 42 inches substantially without sagging or other gravitational deformation. Copolymers of ethylene and 1-hexene are disclosed which are used to produce PE-100 pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: July 14, 2005
    Inventors: Paul DesLauriers, Max McDaniel, Al Wolfe, Pamela Maeger, William Coutant, David Rohlfing, Steven Secora, William Beaulieu, Elizabeth Benham, David Register