Ethylene Polymerization Process With a New Ti-based Ziegler- Natta catalyst

The slurry polymerization of ethylene using a new commercial Ti-based Ziegler-Natta catalyst has been investigated. The variations in concentrations of monomer, cocatalyst and hydrogen on activity of catalyst, rate of polymerization were studied. The effect of presence of hydrogen on molecular weight distribution of produced polymers was also studied. With increasing the Al:Ti molar ration activity of the catalyst increased and then decreased. There was an optimum Al:Ti molar ratio to obtain the highest activity of the catalyst. The maximum activity was obtained at Al:Ti=65, T=80°C, P=8 bar. At this condition activity was 4577.1grPE/mmolTi.h. Addition of hydrogen decreased the rate of polymerization, activity and molecular weight of produced polyethylene. The polymerization rate was increased with increasing monomer pressure.

Keywords:

Polyethylene , Ziegler-Natta catalyst , Hydrogen effect , cocatalyst , Slurry polymerization