Single-site catalyst immobilization using magnesium chloride supports

Immobilization and activation of a broad range of titanium-, chromium-and nickel-based single-site catalysts for ethylene polymerization has been carried out using supports of type MgCl 2 /AlR n (OEt) 3 − n , prepared by reaction of AlR 3 with adducts of magnesium chloride and ethanol. The spherical particle morphology of the support is retained and replicated during catalyst immobilization and polymerization, yielding polyethylenes with controlled particle size and morphology. The single-site nature of these catalysts is also retained, giving polymers with narrow molecular weight distribution. Furthermore, very high catalyst activities can be obtained as a result of a stabilizing effect of the support, which prevents the rapid decay in activity often observed in homogeneous polymerization with these catalysts.