Abstract: The method of making polyolefin with a silicon nitride nano-filler uses silicon nitride (SiN) as a promoter for in situ polymerization with a zirconocene catalyst. The method includes adding the bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium dichloride catalyst and nanoparticles of silicon nitride to a reactor. The reactor is then charged with toluene and a methylaluminoxane co-catalyst, and is heated for a period of time sufficient to bring the reactor to a polymerization reaction temperature. Nitrogen gas is removed from the reactor following the heating, and then ethylene monomer is fed into the reactor, initiating polymerization. The polymerization is then quenched, and non-reacted monomer is vented. The polyolefin product is then removed from the reactor, washed and dried.

Abstract: The method for producing polyolefin nanocomposites uses an aluminum nitride (AlN) nano-filler as a promoter of olefin polymerization with a metallocene catalyst. The method of making the polyolefin nanocomposites begins by combining a metallocene catalyst, such as a zirconocene catalyst, with aluminum nitride in a reactor. The reactor is then charged with toluene and methylaluminoxane, methylaluminoxane acting as a co-catalyst. The reactor is then heated at a constant temperature, and ethylene is added to the reactor to initiate polymerization of a polyethylene nanocomposite. Polymerization is then quenched by the addition of acidic methanol to the reactor, and un-reacted monomer is vented from the reactor. The resultant polyethylene nanocomposite is then washed in methanol and dried. The aluminum nitride nano-filler promotes the conversion of the olefin monomer to the polyolefin.