Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing an essentially spherical support for olefin polymerization catalysts, which comprises the steps: preparation of a hydrogel comprising a cogel of silicon oxide and at least one further metal oxide, if appropriate, washing of the hydrogel until the content of alkali metal ions is less than 0.1% by weight, based on the weight of solids, extraction of the water from the hydrogel until the water content is less than 5% by weight, based on the total content of liquid, and drying of the hydrogel to form a xerogel. According to the invention, the extraction step comprises at least one first extraction with a first organic solvent which is at least partially miscible with water down to a water content of 50% by weight, followed by at least one second extraction with a second organic solvent which is at least partially miscible with water.

Abstract: The present invention provides activator-supports containing alumina-silica compounds with high levels of alumina, and polymerization catalyst compositions employing these activator-supports. Methods for making these activator-supports based on alumina-silica and for using such compounds in catalyst compositions for the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins are also provided.

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: A process for the polymerisation of ethylene or the copolymerisation of ethylene and alpha-olefins in the presence of a catalyst system comprising—as components (a) a transition metal compound, (b) a non-aluminoxane activator, and (c) optionally a support, comprises the use of a prepolymer prepared by contact of the catalyst components with ethylene and/or one of more alpha-olefins at a temperature in the range 60° C. to 100° C. The prepolymer may be isolated or used in situ for the polymerisation of ethylene or the copolymerisation of ethylene and alpha-olefins in particular 1-hexene. By use of the process thermal stability of the catalyst is improved leading to increased activity without any deterioration in polymer morphology.

Abstract: A method of preparing a catalyst comprising aging a silica support in an alkaline solution to produce an alkaline aged silica support, removing at least a portion of the alkaline solution from the alkaline aged silica support to produce a dried silica support, and activating the silica support to produce a catalyst composition, wherein alkaline aging lowers the surface area of the silica support to less than about 50% of the original value and wherein activation of the silica support is carried out in batches of equal to or greater than about 500 lbs for a time period of less than about 8 hours.

Abstract: Supported catalyst systems and methods of forming the same are described herein. In one specific embodiment, the methods generally include providing an inorganic support material and contacting the inorganic support material with an aluminum fluoride compound represented by the formula AlFpX3-pBq to form an aluminum fluoride impregnated support, wherein X is selected from Cl, Br and OH?, B is H2O, p is selected from 1 to 3 and q is selected from 0 to 6. The method further includes contacting the aluminum fluoride impregnated support with a transition metal compound to form a supported catalyst system, wherein the transition metal compound is represented by the formula [L]mM[A]n; wherein L is a bulky ligand, A is a leaving group, M is a transition metal and m and n are such that a total ligand valency corresponds to the transition metal valency.

Abstract: A supported polymerisation catalyst system comprises: (a) a polymerisation catalyst, (b) a cocatalyst, and (c) a porous support, and is characterised in that the porous support has been pretreated with (i) a chemical dehydration agent and (ii) a hydroxy compound wherein the hydroxy compound is not a cocatalyst or component thereof. The preferred polymerisation catalyst is a transition metal compound for example a metallocene and by use of the supported catalyst systems improved activity may be achieved.

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. One aspect of this invention is the prepraration and use of a catalyst composition comprising a hydrocarbyl-substituted metallocene compound and a chemically-treated solid oxide for olefin polymerization processes. In another aspect, for example, this invention encompasses the preparation of a catalyst composition comprising (?5-cycloalkadienyl)2Zr(hydrocarbyl)2 complexes and sulfated alumina, but containing no organoaluminum or organoboron cocataysts, and further the use of this catalyst composition for polymerizing olefins.

Abstract: Plastics pipes comprise polyolefins which can be prepared by means of a fluorine-modified chromium catalyst and are used for transporting gases and liquids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of regenerating a titanium-containing molecular sieve catalyst. Particularly, this invention provides a method of regenerating a titanium-containing molecular sieve catalyst used in epoxidation of olefin through simple treatment using a mixture solvent comprising aqueous hydrogen peroxide and alcohol. According to the method of this invention, when the catalyst having decreased activity is regenerated, the activity of the regenerated catalyst is equal to that of new catalyst and can be maintained stable for a long period of time.

Abstract: An ethylene-?-olefin copolymer containing monomer units derived from ethylene and monomer units derived from an ?-olefin having 4 to 20 carbon atoms, and having a density of 890 to 970 kg/m3, an activation energy of flow of 50 kJ/mol or more, a molecular weight distribution of 3 or more determined by a gel permeation chromatography, and the number of inflection points of 3 or less on a melting curve obtained by a differential scanning calorimetry within a temperatures ranges of from 25°C. to an end point of melting.

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.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of a supported polymerisation catalyst system comprises the combination of (i) a porous support (ii) a polymerisable monomer, (iii) a polymerisation catalyst, and (iv) a cocatalyst, characterised in that the polymerisable monomer is added to the porous support before addition of one or both of the polymerisation catalyst and the cocatalyst. The preferred polymerisation catalyst is a metallocene complex and the preferred porous support is silica. The resultant supported catalysts are stable over long periods of time. The supported catalyst are particularly suitable for use in the gas phase.

Abstract: A supported catalyst composition having improved flow properties is disclosed comprising an alkylalumoxane, a metallocene-alkyl an inorganic oxide support having an average particle size of from 0.1 to 50 ?m and calcined at a temperature greater than 600° C., and optionally an antifoulant agent and. In one embodiment, the metallocene-alkyl is a Group 4, 5 or 6 metallocene-alkyl, and in another embodiment is a hafnocene-alkyl. Also disclosed is a method of polymerization using such a supported catalyst composition.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions comprising a first metallocene compound, a second metallocene compound, an activator-support, and an organoaluminum compound are provided. Methods for preparing and using such catalysts to produce polyolefins are also provided. The compositions and methods disclosed herein provide ethylene polymers having a HLMI of from about 0.5 to about 25, a polymer density of from about 0.920 to about 0.965, and a polydispersity of from about 3.0 to about 30.

Abstract: A method of polymerizing olefins comprising combining in one embodiment ethylene and optionally one or more ?-olefins with a catalyst composition in a continuous polymerization reactor at a pressure of less than 10,000 kPa; wherein the catalyst composition comprises a hafnocene; and isolating a polyethylene having a density in the range of from 0.930 to 0.975 g/cm3. Also provided is a method of transitioning a continuous polymerization reactor from production of a low density polyethylene to a medium or high density polyethylene. Also provided is a medium to high density polyethylene suitable for injection or rotomolding applications. Also provided is a single catalyst composition suitable for such needs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising a catalyst and a support comprising a non-layered inorganic porous crystalline phase material, wherein the support comprises a hexagonal arrangement of uniformly-sized pores having an average pore diameter greater than or equal to about 13 ?, an X-ray diffraction pattern having a calculated d100 value of greater than or equal to about 18 ?, an adsorption capacity of greater than or equal to about 15 grams benzene per 100 grams support at 50 torr and at 25° C., and a pore wall thickness of less then or equal to about 25 ?.

Abstract: A process for producing a propylene-ethylene block copolymer in a good morphology using a catalyst system comprising a metallocene catalyst (1) preparing high crystalline polypropylene, a metallocene catalyst (2) preparing low crystalline polypropylene, a porous carrier (3), aluminoxane (4) or a compound (4) which can be reacted with the metallocene catalysts described above to form an ionic complex and, if necessary, an organic aluminum compound (5) and a propylene-ethylene block copolymer. The resultant compound has a high transparency and a low elastic modulus.

Abstract: A process for producing a Gp 2/transition metal olefin polymerisation catalyst component, in which a Gp 2 complex is reacted with a transition metal compound so as to produce an oil-in-oil emulsion, the disperse phase containing the preponderance of the Gp 2 metal being selectively sorbed on a carrier to provide a catalyst component of excellent morphology. Polymerisation of olefins using a catalyst containing such a component is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to olefin polymers particularly suited to satisfying the dielectric properties required in electrical device use. The olefin polymers can be prepared by contacting polymerizable olefin monomers with catalyst complexes of Group 3–11 metal cations and noncoordinating or weakly coordinating anion compounds bound directly to the surfaces of finely divided substrate particles or to polymer chains capable of effective suspension or solvation in polymerization solvents or diluents under solution polymerization conditions. Thus, the invention includes polyolefin products prepared by the invention processes, particularly ethylene-containing copolymers, having insignificant levels of mobile, negatively charged particles as detectable by Time of Flight SIMS.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst system comprising a catalyst and a support comprising a non-layered inorganic porous crystalline phase material, wherein the support comprises a hexagonal arrangement of uniformly-sized pores having an average pore diameter greater than or equal to about 13 ?, an X-ray diffraction pattern having a calculated d100 value of greater than or equal to about 18 ?, an adsorption capacity of greater than or equal to about 15 grams benzene per 100 grams support at 50 torr and at 25° C., and a pore wall thickness of less then or equal to about 25 ?.

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.

Abstract: A process for the trimerization of olefins is disclosed, comprising contacting a monomeric olefin or mixture of olefins under trimerization conditions with a catalyst which comprises (a) a source of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten (b) a ligand containing at least one phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom bound to at least one hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl group having a polar substituent, but excluding the case where all such polar substituents are phosphane, arsane or stibana groups; and optionally (c) an activator.

Abstract: Supported stereospecific catalysts and processes for the stereotactic propagation of a polymer chain derived from ethylenically unsaturated monomers such as the polymerization of propylene to produce syndiotactic polypropylene or isotactic polypropylene. The supported catalyst comprises a stereospecific metallocene catalyst component and a co-catalyst component comprising an alkylalumoxane. Both the metallocene catalyst component and the co-catalyst component are supported on a particulate polyorganosilsesquioxane support comprising spheroidal particles of a polyorganosilsesquioxane having an average. diameter with the range of 0.3–20 microns. The polyorganosilsesquioxane support is characterized by relatively low surface area, specifically a surface area less than 100 square meters per gram. The metallocene component can take the form of a single metallocene or two or more metallocenes which are co-supported on the polyorganosilsesquioxane support.

Abstract: The invention encompasses late transition metal catalyst systems immobilized on solid supports and their use in heterogenous polymerization processes, particularly in gas phase polymerization of olefin monomers. Preferred embodiments include a late transition metal catalyst system comprising a Group 9, 10, or 11 metal complex stabilized by a bidentate ligand structure immobilized on a solid porous metal or metalloid oxide particle support, particularly those comprising silica. The gas phase polymerization process for olefin monomers comprises contacting one or more olefins with these catalyst systems under gas phase polymerization conditions.

Abstract: The invention discloses a solid catalytic component comprising a metallocene, at least one first ligand of which comprises a cyclopentadienyl group chemically bonded via a methyl group to a support composed of a porous inorganic compound. It also discloses a process for the preparation of such a solid catalytic component. Application to the polymerization and copolymerization of olefins.

Abstract: Novel metallocene monohalides can be used in the polymerization of olefins.

Abstract: An olefin polymerization pre-catalyst, an activated catalyst and a process for preparing the catalysts are described herein. The pre-catalyst has the formula: wherein the groups M and R1–R4 are defined herein. The group R4 includes a solid-support.

Abstract: A method is provided for the polymerization of olefins substituted with a functional group using a transition metal catalyst that, by virtue of one or more stabilizing groups incorporated within the catalyst structure, “fixes” the stereoconfiguration of each olefinic monomer relative to the transition metal complex during each successive reaction in the polymerization process. The invention substantially reduces the likelihood of olefin rearrangement at the active site of the catalyst during polymerization. In one particular embodiment, the functional group is a polar, electron-donating group and the stabilizing group is a Lewis acid substituent; examples of polymers that can be prepared with such a system include poly(vinyl acetate), poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(vinyl ethers). Novel complexes and catalyst systems useful in the polymerization method are also provided.

Abstract: Polymer blend compositions of a first polymer component comprising an ethylene propylene copolymer and a second polymer component comprising an isotactic polypropylene copolymer. The first polymer component has a uniform distribution of both tacticity and comonomer between copolymer chains. Further, the first polymer component will exhibit a statistically insignificant intramolecular difference of tacticity.

Abstract: A process for producing a homogeneous type solid catalyst component or a homogeneous type solid catalyst comprising a step for removing a fine-powdery component and/or a shapeless component utilizing a difference between their sedimentation velocities of the catalyst component or the catalyst in a solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported catalyst comprising (A) a polymer (B) a supporter, (C) a transition metal compound, and optionally (D) (a) a compound which can form an ionic complex by the reaction with the transition metal compound or (b) a specific oxygen-containing compound, and (E) an alkylaluminum compound. The supported catalyst according to present invention, which has a high activity, can be used for preparing a styrenic polymer with a high syndiotacticity. The supported catalyst can be used in combination with a cocatalyst, preferably an alkyl aluminoxane.

Abstract: Provided herein is an oligomerization product formed from alpha-olefins having at least three carbon atoms comprising dimers, at least about 80 weight percent of which are linear. In an embodiment, an oligomerization product formed from alpha-olefins having at least three carbon atoms comprises trimers, at least about 20 weight percent of which are linear. In another embodiment, an oligomerization product formed from alpha-olefins having at least three carbon atoms comprises tetramers, at least about 5 weight percent of which are linear. In yet another embodiment, an oligomerization product formed from alpha-olefins having at least three carbon atoms comprises pentamers, at least about 5 weight percent of which are linear.

Abstract: A clay-filled polyolefin composition and process for making it are disclosed. The process involves treatment of a non-acid-treated smectite clay with a Ziegler-Natta catalyst in the presence of a hydrocarbon and subsequent polymerization of an olefin in the presence of the treated clay and an organoaluminum cocatalyst. Results indicate that filled compositions produced by this process contain exfoliated clay.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing homo- and co-polymers of ethylene, or more particularly a method for producing homo- and co-polymers of ethylene in the presence of (a) a solid titanium catalyst produced by preparing a magnesium solution by contact-reacting a halogenated magnesium compound with an alcohol; reacting thereto an ester compound having at least one hydroxyl group and a silicon compound having at least one alkoxy group; and adding a mixture of a titanium compound and a silicon compound; (b) organometallic compounds of Group II or III of the Periodic Table; and (c) a cyclic nitrogen compound. The catalyst for homo- and co-polymerization of ethylene, produced according to the present invention, exhibits high activity, and the polymers produced by the method of the present invention by using said catalyst have the advantages of exhibiting high bulk densities and narrow molecular weight distributions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly economical process for production of an inorganic filler-containing polyolefin resin composition, and a production apparatus to be used for the process, whose process is characterized by carrying out a continuous series of steps from an olefin polymerization step up to a kneading/pelletizing step wherein the polyolefin resin obtained by the polymerization step is kneaded and pelletized with an inorganic filler and various additives.

Abstract: The application discloses supported initiators for transition metal mediated living free radical and/or atom transfer polymerisation comprising an initiator moiety attached to a support via a selectively cleavable link, and their use to produce polymers.

Abstract: A process for forming a coordination catalyst system comprising sequentially or substantially simultaneously contacting: (I) pre-catalyst reactants comprising (a) at least one first ligand-containing reactant; and (b) at least one first transition metal reactant suitable to form at least one metallocene or constrained geometry pre-catalyst compound (e.g., rac-ethylene bis(indenyl)zirconiUm dichloride); an optionally (c) at least one second ligand-containing reactant and (d) at least one second transition metal reactant suitable to form at least one non-metallocene, non-constrained geometry, bidentate or tridentate transition metal compound (e.g., tridentate 2,6-diacetylpyridine-bis(2,4,6-trimethylanaline)FeCl2) and (II) further contacting, jointly or individually, the pre-catalyst compound(s) and optional bidentate or tridentate compound(s) with at least one support-activator agglomerate (e.g., spray dried silica/clay agglomerate).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multinuclear metallocene catalyst for olefin polymerization and a process for olefin polymerization using the same, in which the multinuclear metallocene catalyst for olefin polymerization comprises, as a main catalyst, a transition metal compound that contains at least two metal atoms in the groups III to X of the periodic table as central metals and a ligand having a cyclopentadienyl structure bridging between the two metal atoms, and, as a cocatalyst, an aluminoxane compound, an organoaluminum compound or a bulky compound reactive to the transition metal compound to impart a catalytic activity to the transition metal compound.

Abstract: Single-site catalyst systems useful for polymerizing olefins are disclosed. The catalyst systems comprise an organometallic complex and an activator. The complex includes a Group 3-10 transition metal, M, and at least one indenoindolyl ligand that is pi-bonded to M. The activator is a reaction product of an alkylaluminum compound and an organoboronic acid. Catalyst systems of the invention significantly outperform known catalyst systems that employ a metallocene complex and similar aluminoboronate activators.

Abstract: A method for preparing a supported organometallic complex is disclosed. An organometallic complex is combined with a support material that has been treated with an organozinc compound. The organometallic complex comprises a Group 3 to 10 transition metal and an indenoindolyl ligand that is bonded to the transition metal. Also disclosed is a process for polymerizing an olefin using the supported complex. Organozinc treatment of the support unexpectedly boosts catalyst activity and polyolefin molecular weight.

Abstract: Processes for the production of alpha-olefins, including dimerization and isomerization of olefins using a cobalt catalyst complex are provided herein. The olefins so produced are useful as monomers in further polymerization reactions and are useful as chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A method for making ethylene polymers and copolymers is disclosed. The method uses a catalyst system comprising a low level of an aluminum-containing activator, a bridged indenoindolyl transition metal complex, and a treated silica support. The method enables economical preparation of ethylene copolymers having very low density. The silica-supported, bridged complexes incorporate comonomers efficiently and are valuable for a commercial slurry loop process. Use of a bridged indeno[2,1-b]indolyl complex provides exceptionally efficient comonomer incorporation, and gives polymers with a substantial and controlled level of long-chain branching. The method facilitates the production of a wide variety of polyolefins, from HDPE to plastomers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst component and a catalyst system for the preparation of high molecular weight ethylene or alpha-olefin homopolymers, ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymers, terpolymers or tetrapolymers, in a polymerization process, which is expediently effected in solution, at elevated temperature, preferably at least 80 DEG C. The catalyst system comprises a group 4-6 metal, preferably group 4 metal, a cyclic ligand (such as a cyclopentadienyl-type ligand), which forms a delocalized pi-bond with the metal M, a monohapto bonded 1,3-diaza-2-imino heterocyclic ligand (such as an iminoimidazolidine-type ligand) and anionic ligands and a catalyst activator coupound.

Abstract: A process to produce ethylene polymers is provided. Particularly, a process to produce ethylene polymers having a broad molecular weight distribution is provided. More particularly, a process to produce ethylene polymers that have low formation of smoke and odor during blow molding is provided.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a process for preparing an olefin polymerization catalyst wherein a calcined and passivated silica support (support precursor) is sequentially contacted with a first solution of a metal complex or of a cocatalyst, and thereafter with a second solution of the other of the metal complex or the cocatalyst, wherein the second solution is provided in an amount such that 100 percent of the pore volume of the support precursor is not exceeded. Optionally, the compatible solvent of the first and/or second solutions is removed. The subject invention further provides a process for polymerizing one or more ?-olefins in the presence of the olefin polymerization catalyst prepared by the process of the invention.

Abstract: In a process for preparing a metal-containing supported catalyst or a metal-containing supported catalyst component by impregnation of a support material with an impregnation solution comprising the metal component, the impregnation solution flows through the support material.

Abstract: A process for the trimerisation of olefins is disclosed, comprising contacting a monomeric olefin or mixture of olefins under trimerisation conditions with a catalyst which comprises (a) a source of chromium, molybdenum or tungsten (b) a ligand containing at least one phosphorus, arsenic or antimony atom bound to at least one hydrocarbyl or heterohydrocarbyl group having a polar substituent, but excluding the case where all such polar substituents are phosphane, arsane or stibana groups; and optionally (c) an activator.

Abstract: A process for producing a polymer of a vinyl ether monomer by contacting the monomer with phosphorous pentoxide as polymerization initiator.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The process combines a bridged indenoindolyl organometallic complex and an activator with a support material in the presence of an aromatic solvent. The supported catalyst containing the aromatic solvent is used to polymerize an olefin in the presence of hydrogen. Polyolefins from the process have improved flow properties.