Catalyst formulation and polymerization processes

Abstract

Processes for the formulation of Ziegler-type catalysts from a plurality of catalyst components including transition metal, organosilicon electron donor, and organoaluminum co-catalyst components. The components are mixed together in the course of formulating the Ziegler-type catalyst to be charged to an olefin polymerization reactor. Several orders of addition of the catalyst components can be used in formulating the Ziegler catalyst. One involves mixing of the transition metal component with the organoaluminum co-catalyst to formulate a mixture having an aluminum/transition metal mole ratio of at least 200. This mixture is combined with the organosilicon electron donor component to produce a Ziegler-type catalyst formulation having an aluminum/silicon mole ratio of no more than 50. There may be an initial pre-polymerization of the catalyst prior to introducing the catalyst into an olefin polymerization reactor. The mole ratio of aluminum to silicon in the catalyst formulation within the range of 20 to 50 and the mole ratio of silicon to transition metal within the range of 10-20. Relatively short time sequences can be used in formulating the Ziegler-type catalyst. Another order of addition involves initial contact of the organoaluminum co-catalyst and the organosilicon electron donor to provide a mixture having an aluminum to silicon mole ratio of at least 10. This mixture is then combined with the transition metal component having an aluminum/transition metal mole ratio of at least 200.