Porous polyolefin particles

Fig. 21. Morphogenesis model of porous polyolefin particle based on the elastic and visco-elastic interactions among micro-elements (from Grof et al., 2005a).

For homogeneous catalysts, the process of polymer particle formation generally leads to porous, low-density polymer particles, which can cause significant increase in slurry viscosity and reactor fouling, leading to inadequate reactor temperature control. Additionally, polymer particles with poor powder properties are undesirable for postreactor polymer processing. These problems must be addressed before using soluble metallocene catalysts for industrial production of polyolefins. 

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