Abstract: A new synthesis of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst uses a multi-step preparation that includes treating a magnesium dialkoxide compound with two halogenating/titanating agents, the second stronger than the first, an organoaluminum preactivating agent, and a heat treatment. The catalyst may be used in the polymerization of olefins, particularly ethylene, to control the molecular weight distribution of the resulting polyolefins.

Abstract: A new synthesis of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst uses a multi-step preparation that includes treating a magnesium dialkoxide compound with halogenating/titanating agents, an organoaluminum preactivating agent, and a heat treatment. The catalyst may be used in the polymerization of olefins, particularly ethylene, to control the molecular weight distribution of the resulting polyolefins.

Abstract: A process for making a polyolefin catalyst component, catalyst and polymer resin is disclosed. Controlling the viscosity of a catalyst synthesis solution with the addition of aluminum alkyl alters the precipitation of the catalyst component from a catalyst synthesis solution. The average particle size of the catalyst component increases with an increased concentration of aluminum alkyl in the synthesis solution. The catalyst component can be produced by a process comprising contacting a magnesium alkyl compound with an alcohol and an aluminum alkyl to form a magnesium dialkoxide. Catalyst components, catalysts, catalyst systems, polyolefin, products made therewith, and methods of forming each are disclosed. The reaction products can be washed with a hydrocarbon solvent to reduce titanium species [Ti] content to less than about 100 mmol/L.

Abstract: A Ziegler-Natta type catalyst component can be produced by a process comprising contacting a magnesium dialkoxide compound with a halogenating agent to form a reaction product A, and contacting reaction product A with a first, second and third halogenating/titanating agents. Catalyst components, catalysts, catalyst systems, polyolefin, products made therewith, and methods of forming each are disclosed. The reaction products can be washed with a hydrocarbon solvent to reduce titanium species [Ti] content to less than about 100 mmol/L.

Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.

Abstract: A new synthesis of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst uses a multi-step preparation that includes treating a magnesium dialkoxide compound with halogenating/titanating agents, and an organoaluminum preactivating agent. The catalyst may be used in the polymerization of olefins, particularly ethylene, to control the molecular weight distribution and the fluff morphology of the resulting polyolefins.

Abstract: A process of forming a polyolefin catalyst component includes contacting a metal compound of the formula MR2 with a diketone to form a metal bis(diketonate) having the formula M(OCRCR′CRO)2, wherein M is a Group IIA or Group VIIB metal, and wherein R and R′ are each hydrocarbyls or substituted hydrocarbyls having from 1 to 20 carbons atoms. Catalyst components, catalysts, polyolefin polymers, catalysts systems, and methods of preparing same are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing blown polyolefin films with increased bubble stability and higher blown film production rates is disclosed. A method in which the amounts and ratios of known antioxidant polymer film additives (phosphites and phenolics) are controlled to provide limited long chain branching (LCB) and greater rheological breadth in a polyethylene melt to improve both processing characteristics and mechanical properties in the resulting film.

Abstract: The present invention includes a polyolefin composition having reduced coloration with aging. The polyolefin composition comprises at least one polyolefin, an effective amount of a primary phenolic antioxidant to promote long term thermal stability of the polymer composition, and an effective amount of a phosphite processing stabilizer to promote thermal stability of the polymer composition during melt processing. The polymer composition further comprises an effective amount of a sacrificial phosphite antioxidant to reduce the yellowness index of the polymer composition. The sacrificial phosphite antioxidant and the phosphite processing stabilizer are not the same compound.

Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process.

Abstract: High density polyethylene (HDPE) comprising narrow rheological breadth and narrow molecular weight distribution, and methods for producing such HDPE polymer are disclosed. HDPE blown resins and films produced from the HDPE of the invention, and methods of producing such resins and films are also disclosed. The novel HDPE-derived resins of the invention possess exceptional clarity and gloss in comparison to conventional HDPE-derived resin.

Abstract: A Ziegler-Natta type catalyst having an improved hydrogen response provides for narrowing of the MWD of resulting polyolefins polymerized using such catalyst, with such catalyst generally made by a) contacting a soluble magnesium dialkoxide compound of the general formula Mg(OR′)2 with a halogenating agent capable of exchanging one halogen for one alkoxide to form a reaction product A, where R′ is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; b) contacting reaction product A with a first halogenating/titanating agent to form reaction product B; and c) contacting reaction product B with a second halogenating/titanating agent to form a catalyst component; wherein in at least one of steps b) and c), the halogenating/titanating agent is a blend of Ti(OPr)4 and TiCl4. Catalyst components, catalysts, catalyst sytems, polyolefin polymers, and methods of forming each are disclosed.

Abstract: A Ziegler-Natta type catalyst having an improved hydrogen response provides for narrowing of the MWD of resulting polyolefins polymerized using such catalyst, with such catalyst generally made by a) contacting a soluble magnesium dialkoxide compound of the general formula Mg(OR″)2 with a halogenating agent capable of exchanging one halogen for one alkoxide to form a reaction product A, where R″ is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; b) contacting reaction product A with a first halogenating/titanating agent to form reaction product B; and c) contacting reaction product B with a second halogenating/titanating agent to form a catalyst component; wherein in at least one of steps b) and c), the halogenating/titanating agent is a blend of Ti(OPr)4 and TiCl4. Catalyst components, catalysts, catalyst systems, polyolefin polymers, and methods of forming each are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of processing polyethylene for use as an extruded blow molding resin to improve the properties and processability thereof is accomplished by modifying a polyethylene resin having a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of less than about 10. The modification is carried out by the addition of a free radical initiator to the resin during extrusion of the resin to increase the rheological breadth of the polyethylene from about 10% to about 60% compared to unmodified polyethylene resin extruded under similar conditions. In another aspect of the invention, a polyethylene resin having higher melt index is processed to provide a desired final melt index by the addition of a free radical initiator where it would otherwise be necessary to utilize a resin having lower melt flow, and which is more difficult to process. Improvements in color can also be obtained.

Abstract: A new synthesis of a Ziegler-Natta catalyst uses a multi-step preparation which includes treating a soluble magnesium compound with successively stronger chlorinating-titanating reagents. The catalyst may be used in polymerization of olefins, particularly ethylene, to produce a polymer with low amount of fines, large average fluff particle size and narrow molecular weight distribution. The catalyst has high activity and good hydrogen response.

Abstract: Molybdenum and tungsten compounds that are useful as catalyst precursors in the metathesis of olefins have the general formula:M(Y)(OR.sup.2).sub.x (R.sup.3).sub.y (X).sub.z L.sub.swherein M is tungsten or molybdenum; Y is oxygen or NR.sup.1 ; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are the same or different and are selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, polycycloalkyl, polycycloalkenyl, haloalkyl, haloaralkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl and aryl groups, and silicon-containing analogs thereof; L is a Lewis base; X is halogen; s is 0 or 1; x+y+z=4, and y.gtoreq.1, provided that when x is 2 or more, two OR.sup.2 groups can be replaced by a chelating ligand (OR.sup.2).sub.2.These compounds can be used for the metathesis of olefins in neat metathesizable olefin, as well as in solution, and require only the input of energy to be converted to active catalysts.

Abstract: Molybdenum and tungsten compounds that are useful as catalyst precursors in the metathesis of olefins have the general formula:M(Y)(OR.sup.2).sub.x (R.sup.3).sub.y (X).sub.z L.sub.swherein M is tungsten or molybdenum; Y is oxygen or NR.sup.1 ; R.sup.1, R.sup.2, and R.sup.3 are the same or different and are selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, polycycloalkyl, polycycloalkenyl, haloalkyl, haloaralkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl and aryl groups, and silicon-containing analogs thereof; L is a Lewis base; X is halogen; s is 0 or 1; x+y+z=4, and y.gtoreq.1, provided that when x is 2 or more, two OR.sup.2 groups can be replaced by a chelating ligand (OR.sup.2).sub.2.These compounds can be used for the metathesis of olefins in neat metathesizable olefin, as well as in solution, and require only the input of energy to be converted to active catalysts.

Abstract: A Grignard reagent having the formula RMgX where R is a cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group and X is Cl, Br or I, is used as the catalyst activator for the metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene and other polycyclic cycloolefins.