Biphenylphenoxy Catalyst Composition for Multimodal Polyethylene

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catalyst systems for olefin polymerization, particularly for ethylene-based polymers, lack high selectivity and efficiency, especially at high temperatures, limiting the production of polymers with varying molecular weights.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst system comprising a metal-ligand complex of formula (I) with specific structures and additives, including a Group IV catalyst and optionally a Lewis Acid, is used for ethylene and olefin polymerization under solution polymerization conditions to enhance selectivity and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional catalyst systems are used for olefin polymerization, then the polymerization process can be carried out, but the selectivity toward ethylene is insufficient and catalyst efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst selectivityVSAvoidcatalyst efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the catalyst system by introducing specific metal-ligand complexes with defined molecular structures. The catalyst comprises a metal center (M) coordinated with specific ligands (L1, L2, L3) having particular chemical groups (R1-R6, R7-R12) that create a unique electronic and steric environment, thereby achieving high ethylene selectivity and efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite catalyst system combining multiple components: a metal-ligand complex core with specific organic ligands, Group IV catalyst, and optional Lewis acid additives. This composite structure integrates the benefits of different components to achieve synergistic effects in ethylene polymerization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional catalyst systems are used, then polymerization can proceed, but the ability to produce polymers with varying molecular weights at high temperatures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer molecular weight controlVSAvoidpolymerization temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The catalyst system exhibits dynamic behavior at high temperatures, allowing it to adapt to varying reaction conditions. The metal-ligand complex structure enables the catalyst to maintain activity and selectivity across a range of temperatures while controlling polymer molecular weight distribution, making the system versatile for different polymerization scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If existing catalyst systems are used for ethylene polymerization, then production can be maintained, but there is a need to increase efficiency and selectivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolymer production efficiencyVSAvoidethylene selectivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical mixing and heat transfer methods with a chemically optimized catalyst system that operates at the molecular level. The specific metal-ligand complex facilitates efficient ethylene insertion and chain growth through controlled chemical mechanisms, thereby increasing both productivity and selectivity simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catalyst system achieves high selectivity and efficiency in producing ethylene-based polymers with varying molecular weights at high temperatures, improving the versatility and performance of polymer production processes.

Implementation Method 1

The polymerization process includes polymerizing ethylene and optionally one or more olefins in the presence of a catalyst system. The catalyst system includes at least one metal-ligand complex of formula (I), at least one group IV catalyst, at least one additive, and optionally a Lewis Acid.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Data Source

PatentUS20260071015A1Method of producing multimodal polyethylene using at least one group iii-based or lanthanide-based biphenylphenoxy catalyst
Publication Date: 2026.03.12 DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US20260071015A1 patent drawing
  • US20260071015A1 patent drawing
  • US20260071015A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of this disclosure are directed to catalyst systems comprising a metal-ligand complex according to formula (I):