Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for making LLDPE grades having different xylene solubles or hexane extractables with the same Ziegler-Natta catalyst by varying the amount of alkylaluminum used for polymerization. The method comprises copolymerizing ethylene with a C?3-10#191 a-olefin in the presence of a Ziefler-Natta catalyst, an alkylaluminum, and an electron donor; determining the dependency of the xylene solubles or hexane extractables on the alkylaluminum/electron donor ratio; and adjusting the alkylaluminum/electron donor ratio to achieve a desired xylene solubles or hexane extractables.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a process for making a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) having low gels. The process comprises copolymerizing ethylene with one or more C 3-10 α-olefins to produce an LLDPE resin which has a gel defect area less than 25 ppm. The copolymerization is performed in the presence of a Ziegler-Nattta catalyst which comprises an MgCI 2 support, a Ti(IV) complex, and a cyclic ether as an internal electron donor. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst has a Mg/Ti molar ration greater than or equal to 7.