Comparison of Activity of Ziegler-Natta Catalysts Prepared by Recrystallization and Chemical Reaction Methods towards Polymerization of Ethylene

In the present study, Ziegler-Natta catalysts were prepared on supports that were synthesized via two different methods. The first method (method A) is called the recrystallization method, which employed MgCl 2 as a precursor. The second method (method B) is called chemical reaction method, which employed Mg(OEt) 2 as a precursor. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, TGA, ESR and nitrogen physisorption. BET specific surface areas of catalyst A and B were 123.1 and 142.2 m 2 /g, respectively. Polymerization of ethylene was carried out over the catalyst and triethylaluminium. The catalyst prepared by method A exhibited higher activity than that prepared by method B. However, the properties of polymer obtained from both catalysts were similar. The results from XRD and TGA analyses confirmed that Mg(OEt) 2 was converted to MgCl 2 .