Supported Metallocene Complexes for Ethylene and Propylene Polymerizations: Preparation and Activity

Abstract

Important research is currently underway to develop supported metallocene-based catalysts that could be widely used in the polyolefin industry. Recent developments concerning these systems are reviewed. The main preparation methods for metallocene immobilization on various supports are first systematized and described. Then, the nature and structure of active sites as well as their formation mechanism are analyzed. The performances for ethylene and propylene polymerizations of various supported metallocene systems are compared and discussed on the basis of the different catalyst preparations and of the operational polymerization conditions. Finally, the influence of metallocene heterogenization on the final polymer properties is examined.