Kinetic and morphological study of a magnesium ethoxide‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst for propylene polymerization

Abstract BACKGROUND: Kinetic and morphological aspects of slurry propylene polymerization using a MgCl 2 ‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst synthesized from a Mg(OEt) 2 precursor are investigated in comparison with a ball‐milled Ziegler–Natta catalyst. RESULTS: The two types of catalyst show completely different polymerization profiles: mild activation and long‐standing activity with good replication of the catalyst particles for the Mg(OEt) 2 ‐based catalyst, and rapid activation and deactivation with severe fragmentation of the catalyst particles for the ball‐milled catalyst. The observed differences are discussed in relation to spatial distribution of TiCl 4 on the outermost part and inside of the catalyst particles. CONCLUSION: The Mg(OEt) 2 ‐based Ziegler–Natta catalyst is believed to show highly stable polymerization activity and good replication because of the uniform titanium distribution all over the catalyst particles. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry