Metallocene-Catalyzed Copolymerization of Propene with Polystyrene Macromonomers

Graft copolymers poly(propene)- graft -poly(styrene) have been synthesized by the copolymerization of propene with polystyrene macromonomers using the catalyst system [Me 2 Si(2-Me-Benzind) 2 ]ZrCl 2 /methylaluminoxane. Due to the high reactivity of allyl-terminated polystyrene in the metallocene-catalyzed copolymerization with propene, application of the macromonomer method for the synthesis of polyolefin graft copolymers was possible. In order to obtain copolymers with well-defined structures, polystyrene macromonomers were made via “living” anionic polymerization and functionalization. In copolymerization reactions, graft copolymers with a polystyrene content of from 7 up to 72 wt % were obtained. The molecular weights as well as the melting points of the copolymers decrease with increasing polystyrene content.