Catalytic polymerization of ethylene in emulsion

Ethylene polymerization catalyzed by nickel(II) keto-ylide complexes has be en performed in water to yield a latex of Linear PE. Colloidal stability is highly enhanced by the use of a miniemulsion technique to disperse the cat alyst prior contact with the monomer. Latex of typically 200 nm particle di ameters and up to 10% solids are generated by this method. The influence of several factors (temperature, pressure, solids) onto the polymerization is studied in detail. The surfactant adsorption isotherms onto these highly c rystalline and nonpolar particles are also presented.