Modeling of α-Olefin Copolymerization with Chain-Shuttling Chemistry Using Dual Catalysts in Stirred-Tank Reactors: Molecular Weight Distributions and Copolymer Composition

We report a kinetic model of chain-shuttling copolymerization using dual catalysts for solution α-olefin polymerization processes. This model focuses on predicting polymer properties such as the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution and the overall copolymer composition. We first validate the model through qualitative comparison between the model predictions and experimental observations reported in Arriola et al. ( Science 2006, 312, 714) in both a semibatch reactor and a continuous stirred-tank reactor (CSTR). Then, examples are given to illustrate how the model can be used to examine the effects of the chain-shuttling rate constant and the chain-shuttling-agent feed rate in a CSTR. Moreover, simulations using this model demonstrate how to prepare polymers with desired properties by manipulating catalyst compositions and monomer compositions in the feed.