Montell moves in metallocenes
15 Jan 2000
The explosion in applications for metallocene catalysts has now spread to polyolefin elastomers and copolymers. Researchers from Montell's Natta Research Centre in Ferrara, Italy, have devised a new form of reactor to make the new copolymers.
The process uses metallocene catalysts with Montell's own co-catalyst, based on simple compounds such as aluminium alkyls, said project manager Maurizio Galimberti at the Metallocene 97 conference in Dusseldorf last month. The Natta team has developed what it terms `mixed catalyst reactor granule technology' to handle the process, with a 100kg/h pilot plant in operation at the Natta Centre.
According to Galimberti, the research shows for the first time that single-site catalysts can be used to make block copolymers. The use of metallocenes, whose constrained geometry directs reactions precisely, means that the process produces a narrow range of molecular weights, while eliminating by-products that would clog up the reactor. The products will have fine-tuned properties that will allow them to expand into applications for elastomers, Montell claims.
213 on enquiry card
