Abstract: Temperature control and efficient heat transfer are important to producing high quality polymer drag reducing agents from alpha-olefin and/or other monomers. Many polymerization reactions are exothermic, and controlling or minimizing the exotherm combined with low reaction temperatures yields high molecular weight and, for poly(alpha-olefins), high quality drag reducing agent polymers. It has been found that a shell and tube heat exchanger-type reactor, with the inner tubes hosting the reaction mixture and a coolant circulating through the shell side gives good temperature control. The use of appropriate release agents helps to keep the inner reaction chambers from building up any polymer residue. These reactors can be operated in a continuous filling and harvesting mode to facilitate the continuous production of polymer drag reducing agent and related formulations.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transitioning from a first polymerization reaction to a second polymerization reaction incompatible with the first polymerization reaction in a gas-phase reactor. The novel process comprises conducting multiple polymerization reactions, capturing and storing a substantially contaminant-free polymerization product from each multiple polymerization reaction for use as a selected substantially contaminant-free seedbed in a second polymerization, wherein the polymerization product from each multiple polymerization reaction is rendered substantially contaminant-free by stripping or venting reactants and contaminants and is maintained as substantially contaminant-free by storage under an inert atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved drag reducing agents and methods of forming improved drag reducing agents comprising the steps of isomerizing olefin monomers to form isomerized olefin monomers, polymerizing the isomerized olefin monomers in the presence of at least one catalyst to form a polyolefin drag reducing agent having unexpectedly superior drag reduction properties when combined with liquid hydrocarbons, such as viscous crude oil. Therefore, the drag reducing agents of the present invention may be introduced into conduits, such as pipelines, to increase the flow of the hydrocarbons through the conduit.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for carrying out an anionically or cationically catalytically accelerated gas phase reaction and particularly relates to a process for carrying out a catalytically accelerated gas phase polymerization reaction. The process involves the step of introducing a catalyst ion into a gaseous reaction mixture as a free anion or cation without a corresponding counterion and substantially solvent free. The catalyst of this invention ca, for example, be a Ziegler-Natta catalyst or a metallocene catalyst. The gas phase reaction that is catalyzed can, for example, be a metathesis reaction, a metathesis ring-opening polymerization reaction, or a gas phase polymerization.

Abstract: A ring-opened metathesis copolymer and its hydrogenated product having a desired monomer unit ratio and a high molecular weight and having hydroxyl groups or hydroxycarbonyl groups can be obtained by conducting a ring-opening metathesis copolymerization of a norbornene-type monomer having hydroxyl groups or hydroxycarbonyl groups with an unsubstituted norbornene-type monomer having at least three rings in the presence of a catalyst predominantly comprised of an organic ruthenium compound having coordinated therewith a neutral electron-donating ligand, and, if desired, hydrogenating the resulting copolymer. The thus-obtained ring-opened metathesis copolymer and its hydrogenation product are characterized by having a low water absorption, good adhesion to metal and other materials, good compatibility with a curing agent and other compounds, and high heat resistance, and exhibiting reduced signal retardation and signal noise.

Abstract: A process is provided that produces polyolefins. The process comprises mixing a first stream, which comprises at least one catalyst deactivating agent, with a second stream, which comprises at least one polyolefin, at least one catalyst, at least one diluent, and at least one monomer, to produce a third stream, which comprises at least one polyolefin, at least one deactivated catalyst, at least one diluent, and at least one monomer. By utilizing the deactivating agent, polymerization can be slowed, or substantially stopped, when downstream equipment is being repaired or process control problems are being corrected. Later, polymerization can be restarted without the use of scavengers to remove poisons from the slurry polymerization reactor, and polyolefin production can be resumed.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for transitioning among polymerization catalyst systems, preferably catalyst systems, which are incompatible with each other. Particularly, the invention relates to processes for transitioning among olefin polymerization reactions utilizing Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems, metallocene catalyst systems and chromium-based catalyst systems.

Abstract: The use of concurrent reverse and normal initiation processes in an ATRP enables the use of highly active catalysts under “reverse ATRP” conditions and leads to the synthesis of well-defined polymers with low molecular weight distributions while employing much lower levels of the transition metal in the system. This dual activation/initiating system allows use of active catalysts that are added to the reaction in an oxidatively stable form. The benefits of this dual initiating system can be attained in bulk, solution and multi-phase ATRP processes, including emulsions, miniemulsions and polymerization from surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transitioning from a first polymerization catalyst system to a second polymerization catalyst system incompatible with the first polymerization catalyst system in a gas-phase reactor. The novel process comprises conducting a first polymerization reaction using a first polymerization catalyst system; stopping the first polymerization reaction; removing the contents of the first polymerization reaction from the reactor while maintaining a substantially closed system; then, in the substantially closed system, introducing a substantially contaminant free seedbed into the reactor; introducing a second feed system and a second catalyst system into the reactor; and conducting a second polymerization reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst component for ethylene polymerization, comprising an inorganic oxide support, and at least one alkyl metal compound, at least one halide, at least one dihydrocarbyl magnesium compound, at least one difuntional compound that reacts with the dihydrocarbyl magnesium compound and at least one titanium compound. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the catalyst component and use thereof. The catalyst comprising the catalyst component exhibits good hydrogen response and activity balance, and that the amount of static charges carried by the catalyst solid component powders is remarkably reduced will facilitate the industrial-scale operation of polymerization.

Abstract: This present invention is directed towards the identification or design, preparation, and use of suitable transition metal complexes for use as catalysts. The transition metal complexes may comprise heterodonor ligands. The present invention is also directed toward a method of determining the suitability of a transition metal complex for use in a catalytic reaction, such as, but not limited to, atom transfer radical polymerization (“ATRP”), atom transfer radical addition (“ATRA”), atom transfer radical cyclization (“ATRC”), and other catalytic redox reactions.

Abstract: A catalyst slurry for a polymerization reactor can be prepared in a mixing tank and the catalyst slurry fed to one or more storage tanks. The storage tanks can include agitators so that the catalyst slurry is maintained at an essentially homogeneous solids-to-liquid ratio. From the storage tank(s), the catalyst slurry can be pumped to the polymerization reactor along a fluid passage having a flow meter. The flow of the catalyst slurry can be continuous and/or adjusted based on a measured parameter. The catalyst slurry may be continuously and reliability fed to the polymerization reactor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel process for the preparation of isoolefin copolymers in the presence of zirconium halides and/or hafnium halides and organic acid halides, in particular for the preparation of butyl rubbers, as well as isoolefin copolymers constructed of isobutene, isoprene and optionally further monomers.

Abstract: Certain specific embodiments of the invention will now be discussed. For example, a process of preparing a polymer composition that includes a branched crystalline diene-modified polypropylene random terpolymer is described, which process includes: contacting a metallocene catalyst compound with a polymerization medium that includes at least a propylene monomer, a first diene monomer, and a second diene monomer; and conducting polymerization of the monomers in the presence of the metallocene catalyst compound for a time sufficient to provide a branched crystalline diene-modified polypropylene random terpolymer that includes monomeric units derived from each of the monomers, and having from 0.0 wt % to 2.

Abstract: A polymerization process is provided. For example, a polymerization process is described, including providing a catalyst slurry having a metallocene catalyst and a first oil, providing a transport medium including a second oil and combining the transport medium and the catalyst slurry to form a catalyst mixture. The process may further include introducing the catalyst mixture to a polymerization reactor and contacting olefin monomers with the catalyst mixture to polymerize the olefin monomers and form polyolefins.

Abstract: A method of controlling the molecular weight distribution of a polyalpha-olefin during polymerization, comprising changing the aluminoxane to chromium ratio of a polymerization catalyst comprising chromium and at least one aluminoxane to thereby adjust the molecular weight distribution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic material comprising a network polymer. The material has a set of less than 0.1% after having been stretched to 300% of its original length for 10 minutes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved drag reducing agents and methods of forming improved drag reducing agents comprising the steps of isomerizing olefin monomers to form isomerized olefin monomers, polymerizing the isomerized olefin monomers in the presence of at least one catalyst to form a polyolefin drag reducing agent having unexpectedly superior drag reduction properties when combined with liquid hydrocarbons, such as viscous crude oil. Therefore, the drag reducing agents of the present invention may be introduced into conduits, such as pipelines, to increase the flow of the hydrocarbons through the conduit.

Abstract: A composition including polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents and a process for the preparation of polyalphaolefins that function as drag reducing agents are disclosed. The process includes contacting alpha olefin monomers with a catalyst system, which includes a catalyst and an activator (co-catalyst) in a reactant mixture. The catalyst is a transition metal catalyst, preferably titanium trichloride, and the co-catalyst may include an alkylaluminoxane, alone or in combination, with a dialkylaluminum halide or a halohydrocarbon. The polymerization of the alpha olefin monomers produces a non-crystalline, ultra-high molecular weight polyalphaolefin having an inherent viscosity of at least 10 dL/g.

Abstract: A polymerization process and polymerization reactor are provided. For example, a polymerization process is described, including passing a feed stream including liquid and gas through a feed stream inlet disposed proximate an upflow polymerization reactor, passing the feed stream through a member configured to impart an angular velocity to the feed stream and entrain the liquid in the gas, and contacting the feed stream with a catalyst to polymerize the feed stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition of an activator, a catalyst compound and a support in a liquid. The catalyst composition of the invention is utilized as prepared, in the liquid, in a process for polymerizing olefin(s), preferably a slurry polymerization process.

Abstract: A cyclic olefin having a specific polar group is polymerized by addition polymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent, using a polymerization catalyst component containing (i) a specific transition metal compound, (ii) a Lewis acid compound and (iii) an alkyl aluminoxane, or the cyclic olefin is polymerized by addition polymerization in the hydrocarbon solvent, using the polymerization catalyst component, by further adding at least one aromatic vinyl compound and at least one cyclic nonconjugated polyene compound, or either one of them as a molecular weight modifier, thereby obtaining a cyclic olefinic addition polymer.

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 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 polymerization reactant injection system having a monomer conduit, a co-catalyst conduit, and a catalyst conduit, in fluid communication with each other such that a polymerization reactant mixture may be formed without mechanical mixers or agitators. The polymerization reactant injection systems of the present invention permit large amounts of polymerization reactant mixtures to be formed without the increased costs associated with additional mechanical equipment. Methods for forming polymerization reactant mixtures are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chromium complex corresponding to formula (I) wherein: each X is, independently, selected from the group of halogen, alkoxide, aryloxide, amide, phosphide, hydride, hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl; each L is, independently, a neutral elecron donor group which stabilizes the complex; n is 2 or 3; p is a number from 0 to 3; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are, independently, hydrogen, hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl; R6 and R7 are, independently, substituted ary groups; and its use for the polymerization of alpha-olefins.

Abstract: There are disclosed a novel sulfur-containing poly(unsaturated carboxylic acid) and its uses and production process. A sulfur-containing poly(unsaturated carboxylic acid) having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of 500 to 4,500 and a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of not more than 2.

Abstract: A series of soluble &agr;-diimine late transition metal catalysts has been invented comprising a substituted or unsubstituted catecholate ligand. The catalysts demonstrate high activity and selectivity for linear &agr;-olefins. As such, these catalysts conveniently oligomerize ethylene. Typical activators as known to those of ordinary skill in the art are used to activate these transition metal catalysts. These catalysts can be used in a supported or unsupported form.

Abstract: A controlled polymerization process is described in which the polymerization free radically (co)polymerizable ionic monomers is initiated in the presence of a system initially comprising a transition metal complex, and an initiator comprising a radically transferable azide group. The process may include an excess of one or more uncomplexed ligand and at least a portion of the nonionic monomers may be polar monomers. The ionic monomer may be anionic or cationic.

Abstract: A process for preparing an aqueous emulsion polymer including providing at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer and a free radical redox initiator system under emulsion polymerization conditions, the redox initiator system including a water-soluble oxidizing agent, a water-insoluble oxidizing agent, and a sulfinic acid, or salts thereof, reducing agent; and effecting the polymerization of at least some of the ethylenically unsaturated monomer is provided. Also provided is a process for reducing the residual ethylenically unsaturated monomer content of an aqueous emulsion polymer.

Abstract: A process for method for the production of olefin product from an oxygenate-containing feedstock includes exposing a silicoaluminophosphate catalyst to an oxygenate-containing feedstock in a reaction zone under conditions effective to convert the oxygenate-containing feedstock to an olefin product, by stripping at least a portion of the exposed catalyst with a stripping gas; and returning at least a portion of the stripped catalyst directly to the reaction zone.

Abstract: Installation for the gas-phase polymerisation of at least one olefinic monomer, comprising a horizontal stirred reactor consisting of an undivided space, provided with a number of gas feeds (13a-13) in the bottom section of the reactor (1) and a number of liquid feeds (7a-7) in the top section of the reactor (1) and at least two gas outlets (9, 11) at the top of the reactor (1), the installation being provided with means (43, 45) to regulate the discharge capacities of the gas outlets.

Abstract: For producing homopolymers or copolymers of propylene in the gas phase, gaseous or liquid monomers are introduced into a polymerization zone; the pressure and temperature in the polymerization zone are kept within a range that corresponds to the gaseous state of the monomers; gaseous monomers not consumed by polymerization are discharged from the polymerization zone and liquefied and re-introduced in liquid form into the polymerization zone. The temperature regulation in the polymerization zone is done by means of continuous measurement of the temperature and a change, tripped upon a change in temperature, in the quantity of liquid monomers introduced per unit of time into the reaction zone. To that end, the temperature is measured at a plurality of points vertically offset from one another, and from the respective measured values a respective mean value is formed.

Abstract: In a process for the polymerization of isobutene or mixtures of isobutene with ethylenically unsaturated comonomers under the conditions of living cationic polymerization, the initiator system additionally comprises at least one nonpolymerizable, aprotic organosilicon compound having at least one Si—O bond.

Abstract: A supported titanium catalyst system comprising a titanium catalyst bound via at least one heteroatom, a function-alised support, said heteroatom being connected to said support via an organic group.

Abstract: Use of an initiator system comprising:

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: An ethylene-&agr;-olefin copolymer obtained by a gas phase polymerization method in the presence of a catalyst, wherein the copolymer satisfies the following conditions (A-1) to (A-4): (A-1) Melt flow rate (MFR): 0.3 to 5.0 g/10 minutes (A-2) Melt flow rate ratio (MFRR): 20 or more (A-3) Density (d): 0.910 to 0.930 g/cm3 (A-4) Coldxylene-soluble portion (CXS)(wt %) is in the range defined by the formula (1): 1.5×10−4×d−125×MFR0.5+0.3≧CXS  formula (1).

Abstract: Modified polybutadiene having a high-cis and low-trans structure with a moderate 1,2-structure content and exhibiting improved characteristics such as cold flow properties, which is obtained by modifying starting polybutadiene having a Tcp/ML1+4 ratio (Tcp: 5% toluene solution viscosity at 25° C.ML1+4: Mooney viscosity at 100° C.) of 2.5 or more in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to polycondensation resins which are prepared by polycondensation of compounds having a low molecular weight and separation of small molecules in the presence of at least one hetergeneous catalyst. The invention also relates to polyaddition resins which are prepared by polyaddition in the presence of at least one heterogeneous catalyst. The invention further relates to the use of said polycondensation resins and polyaddition resins for the preparation of moulded parts, adhesives and coating materials.

Abstract: This invention provides method of producing a polymer which comprises substitution of carboxylic acid group for a terminal halogen group of a polymer obtainable by atom transfer radical polymerization. The carboxylic acid group may be a carboxylic acid salt group, more preferably a carboxylic acid potassium salt group. In carrying out the atom transfer radical polymerization in the practice of the invention, a transition metal complex can be used as a polymerization catalyst. The transition metal complex may be a transition metal complex with an element of the group 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 of the periodic table as the central atom, more preferably a copper, nickel, ruthenium or iron complex and, in particular, a copper complex is used. The polymer obtainable by atom transfer radical polymerization is obtained by polymerization of a (meth)acrylic monomer, particularly the polymer obtained by polymerization of an acrylic acid ester monomer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for forming star shaped microgels which include a core of crosslinked polymer and multiplicity of substantially linear polymeric arms of macromonomers attached to the core. The process includes polymerizing monoethylenically unsaturated monomers in the presence of a chain transfer agent to form macromonomers each having a terminal polymerizable ethylenically unsaturated group and then polymerizing, in presence of the macromonomers, the monoethylenically unsaturated monomers and multi-olefinic crosslinking monomers. The microgels of the present invention can be used as rheology control agents in waterborne and solvent-borne coatings and in adhesives and cosmetics.

Abstract: A propylene polymer is characterized by satisfying the following (1) to (5):

Abstract: A new polymerization process (atom transfer radical polymerization, or ATRP) based on a redox reaction between a transition metal (e.g., Cu(I)/Cu(II), provides “living” or controlled radical polymerization of styrene, (meth)acrylates, and other radically polymerizable monomers. Using various simple organic halides as model halogen atom transfer precursors (initiators) and transition metal complexes as a model halogen atom transfer promoters (catalysts), a “living” radical polymerization affords (co)polymers having the predetermined number average molecular weight by &Dgr;[M]/[I]0 (up to Mn>105) and a surprisingly narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn), as low as 1.15. The participation of free radical intermediates in ATRP is supported by end-group analysis and stereochemistry of the polymerization. In addition, polymers with various topologies (e.g.

Abstract: A polymerisation process for the preparation of vinylic polymers from the corresponding vinylic monomers which process comprises the step of reacting a vinylic monomer in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a) a metal complex of general formula (I) where A is selected from the group consisting of nickel, iron, cobalt, chromium, manganese, titanium, zirconium, vanadium and the rare earth metals; L1, L2, L3 and L4 are ligands and b) a Lewis acid of general formula (II) wherein at least one of W, Y or Z is capable of forming a co-ordination bond with A and the others of W, Y and Z are bulky groups; D is selected from the group consisting of aluminium, magnesium, zinc and boron.

Abstract: The present invention has for its object to provide a polymer available upon coupling of polymers of radical-polymerizable olefin monomer or monomers and a process for producing said polymer. The present invention is concerned with a method for effecting polymer-polymer coupling in the living radical polymerization of a radical-polymerizable olefin monomer which comprises adding a compound having at least two sparingly radical-polymerizable alkenyl groups during or after polymerization.

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: Branched polymers are prepared by mixing together monofunctional vinylic monomer with from 0.3 to 100% w/w of polyfunctional vinylic monomer and from 0.0001 to 50% w/w of chain transfer agent and thereafter reacting the mixture to form a polymer. The resulting branched polymers are soluble and may be used as component of surface coatings and inks as well as molding resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesis of polymer compositions, wherein ethylenically unsaturated monomers are polymerized by means of initiators containing a transferable atom or group of atoms and of one or more catalysts comprising at least one transition metal in the presence of ligands which can form a coordination compound with the metal catalyst or catalysts, the process being characterized in that the polymerization takes place by means of continuous process operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new process for the preparation of functionalized alkoxyamine initiators, new alkoxyamine initiators based on (meth)acrylate which are prepared by this process, and their use for the preparation of polymers.