Tailored polyolefins with metallocene

The use of metallocene catalyst has opened up possibilities for producing tailored polyolefins with controlled molecular weights, homogeneous comonomer contents,... 

The improved control over the polymer structure offered by these catalysts offers the polymer producer a significantly greater ability to tailor the polymer to the end-user requirements. Polymer research with metallocene catalysts continues, so more advances can be expected for polyethylene, polypropylene, and other polyolefins. 

Beigzadeh, J. B. P. Soares and A. E. Hamielec, Recipes for synthesizing polyolefins with tailor-made molecular weight, polydispersity index, long-chain branching frequencies, and chemical composition using combined metallocene catalyst systems in a CSTR at steady state./. Appl Polym. Sci (1999) 71, pp. 1753-1770... 

Deals can create value on the technology side if they unite players with different (and, ideally, complementary) skills and strengths. That has been the rationale behind a number of recent technology-focused alliances, such as the one between Union Carbide and Exxon in polyolefines the former excels in process technology, the latter in metallocene technology. Clear synergies exist, since a producer can tailor a process to the specific needs and opportunities of new metallocene products. 

Gas-phase polymerization technology benefits from the development of single-site metallocenes [73] which enhance control of PP properties in order to meet the demands of highly diversified applications. Simplified solvent-free processes combined with catalyst design represents the key to the development of novel polyolefin families with tailor-made properties. 

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