Preparation and characterization of MCM-41 supported metallocene catalystsfor olefin polymerization

The effect of the structure and surface properties of support material on m etallocene (zirconocene chloride) adsorption and catalyst activity in ethen e polymerization was studied. Commercial Grace silica, mesoporous silicate, MCM-41, and aluminium-modified MCM-41 were used as supports. The highest a mount of zirconocene dichloride was adsorbed on Al-modified MCM-41 (Si/Al = 32), providing the most reactive sites for attachment of the active compon ent on the support surface. The C-13-CPMAS NMR studies proved that Cp2ZrCl2 is bound to the support surface. Also the highest activity in ethene polym erization was obtained using this support. (C) 1999 Academic Press.