Silyl-Terminated Polymer and Method for Preparing Silyl-Terminated Polyolefins ( 96055)

A new class of a-olefin polymerization catalysts has been developed at Northwestern University. The catalysts in the presence of silanes efficiently produce silyl-capped polyolefins with controlled molecular weight and polydispersity. The Ziegler-Natta type catalysts reduce process cocatalyst requirements. A range of commercially valuable polymers are generated with this novel system.

ADVANTAGE: Efficient a-olefin polymerizations catalysts, with reduced cocatalyst demand, affording polymers with improved molecular weight and polydispersity control, under ambient conditions.

SUMMARY: Ziegler–Natta catalysts with cocatalyst promoters are widely employed for olefin polymerization. Effective molecular weight control is critical to achieve desired polymer physical properties. A series of unique Ziegler-Natta type Group 4 (Ti, Zr, Hf) catalysts in the presence of cocatalysts, a silane R(SiR2R3R4)n, and a-olefin (3≤C≤10) produce silyl-terminated polyolefins {H-(CR’H-CH2)n-SiR2R3R4}. Thus propylene (1 atm), Ti catalyst, B(C6F5)3 cocatalyst, and PhSiH3 (0.08 M) gave polypropylene (Mw 95,000, Mn 11,000) at 25ºC in toluene solvent. With 0.02 M PhSiH3, polypropylene (Mw 210,000, Mn 67,000) was obtained under similar conditions. Ethylene, 1-hexene, styrene and co-monomers also undergo silane controlled polymerization under comparable conditions with this catalyst system.

Two Patents have issued, U.S. Patent No. 6,075,103 and U.S. Patent No 6,077,919.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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