KINETICES OF POLYMERIZATION OF 1-OCTENE WITH THE CATALYST SYSTEM VOCL3-ALET3 (OR ALET2BR)

Kinetic studies of the polymerization of 1-octene with the Ziegler-Nat ta catalyst systems VOCl3-AlEt3 (I) and VOCl3-AlEt2Br (II) are reporte d. The effect of the various parameters such as the Al/V ratio, cataly st and monomer concentrations, reaction time, aging time and temperatu re on rate of reaction and molecular weight of polymer were studied. E ach of these parameters has a profound effect on the polymer yield and the rate of the reaction for both systems. The rate of polymerization increases linearly with increasing temperature, catalyst and monomer concentrations. The reaction is first order with respect to both the m onomer and the catalyst concentration in the two catalyst systems stud ied. From the Arrhenius plot the overall activation energy of polymeri zation for the two systems was found to be 51,2 and 43,5 kJ/mol, respe ctively. The mechanism of polymerization is discussed on the basis of the dependence of the polymerization rate on the alkylaluminium concen tration.