Olefin polymerization process

Abstract

A method of using a catalyst with a suitable cocatalyst in the polymerization or copolymerization of 1-olefins are disclosed. The catalyst is prepared by: a) contacting a Group IIA organometallic compound, like 2-methylpentanoxymagnesium chloride, or a Group III organometallic compound, like triethylaluminum, or a combination thereof, with a porous or nonporous biodegradable substrate having active surface hydroxyl groups, like cellulose, to provide a modified biodegradable substrate; then b) contacting the modified biodegradable substrate with a transition metal compound, such as a transition metal halide or alkoxide, like titanium tetrachloride or vanadium (V) trichloride oxide, to form discrete catalyst particles. The catalyst particles are used in conjunction with a suitable cocatalyst, like triethylaluminum, in the homopolymerization or copolymerization of 1-olefins. During polymerization, porous biodegradable catalyst particles are fragmented into small solid particles that are trapped within polymer. The fragmented catalyst particles are allowed to remain within the polymer; do not adversely affect the physical or esthetic properties of the polymer or articles made therefrom; and serve as biodegradable sites that facilitate environmental degradation of the polymer.