Single particle modelling for olefin polymerization on supported catalysts: A review and proposals for future developments

In the present article, we review the state-of-the-art models for single pa rticle olefin polymerization models. Special attention is paid to particle growth, polymerization rates, concentration and temperature radial profiles , polymer microstructure, and particle morphology. It is proposed that thes e models can be conveniently classified as polymer property and particle mo rphology models, according to their most important predictive abilities, ev en though particle morphology characteristics will influence polymer proper ties and vice versa. Currently, there is no single model that incorporates all of these modelling aspects into a unified formulation. A great deal of progress has been made toward understanding the relationship between the im portant phenomena involved in modelling single particle growth. It seems th at the basic understanding on modelling polymer proper-ties is quite substa ntial, but there is still significant contributions to be made when modelli ng the morphology evolution of these complex polymer particles. Some of the se areas are discussed and suggestions for future development are made. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.