Olefin Polymerization Catalyst with Internal Electron Donor

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for olefin polymerization catalysts that offer better control of stereochemistry and the ability to produce polyolefins with a broader molecular weight distribution, as existing catalysts struggle to achieve these performance metrics effectively.

Innovation Solution

A catalyst composition is developed that includes a specific internal electron donor compound, represented by Formula I, which is used in conjunction with a transition metal-containing solid catalyst and a co-catalyst, allowing for improved control of stereochemistry and broader molecular weight distribution in polyolefins, such as polypropylene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional Ziegler-Natta catalyst systems are used, then polyolefins can be produced, but the control of stereochemistry and molecular weight distribution is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereochemistry controlVSAvoidmolecular weight distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the internal electron donor by selecting specific compounds with different electron-donating capabilities. The internal electron donor is chosen from compounds where R1-R6 are independently selected from hydrogen, alkyl, or aromatic groups, with specific preferences for compounds containing aromatic rings. This parameter change in the donor structure optimizes both stereochemistry control and molecular weight distribution breadth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The catalyst system employs a composite approach by combining a transition metal halide (typically TiCl4) supported on magnesium chloride with a specifically selected internal electron donor compound and an external electron donor. This composite catalyst system integrates multiple functional components that work synergistically to achieve both high stereochemistry control and broad molecular weight distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If catalyst activity is increased, then productivity improves, but control over polymer properties such as molecular weight distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatalyst activityVSAvoidmolecular weight distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The internal electron donor compound acts as an intermediary between the transition metal catalyst and the polymerization process. It modulates the catalyst's electronic properties and steric environment, enabling high activity while maintaining precise control over molecular weight distribution. The donor compound mediates the interaction between the catalyst and monomer, ensuring both productivity and property control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the structural parameters of the internal electron donor to achieve the desired balance between activity and control. Specific compounds with aromatic rings and particular substituent patterns are selected to provide optimal electron donation, which enhances catalyst activity while simultaneously controlling the molecular weight distribution through steric and electronic effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition achieves higher isotacticity and broader molecular weight distribution in polyolefins, reducing the amount of atactic polymer and xylene solubles, and results in improved process stability with lower melt flow rates, making it suitable for various industrial applications.

Implementation Method 1

catalyst composition for polymerization of olefins which catalyst composition comprises a compound represented by Formula I as an internal electron donor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

catalyst system for polymerization of olefins comprising the catalyst composition, a co-catalyst and optionally an external electron donor; a process of making polyolefins by contacting an olefin with said catalyst system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoordination polymerization: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentEP3083711B1Catalyst composition for polymerization of olefins
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 SAUDI BASIC INDUSTRIES CORP
  • EP3083711B1 patent drawing
  • EP3083711B1 patent drawing
  • EP3083711B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising the compound represented by Formula (I) as an internal electron donor, Formula I wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are the same or different and are independently selected from a group consisting of hydrogen, straight, branched and cyclic alkyl and aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; R7 is selected from a group consisting of straight, branched and cyclic alkyl and aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and R8 is selected from a group consisting of aromatic substituted and unsubstituted hydrocarbyl having 6 to 20 carbon atoms; N is nitrogen atom; O is oxygen atom; and C is carbon atom. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing said polymerization catalyst composition and to a polymerization catalyst system comprising said catalyst composition, a co-catalyst and optionally an external electron donor. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a polyolefin obtainable by the process according to the present invention and to the use of the compound of Formula I as in internal electron donor in catalysts for polymerization of olefins.