Morphology Control of Polymer Particles in Ethylene/Carbon Monoxide Copolymerization

摘要

Since the discovery of a highly active catalyst for olefin/ carbon monoxide (CO) copolymerization by Shell (Scheme 1) subsequent investigations have been made in both academic and industrial settings. Catalyst 1 exhibits the best activity (exceeding 10 Kg/g-Pd·h) when producing high molecular-weight polymers. Although Shell discontinued research in this area in 2001, Asian industrial development has continued, particularly in areas related to development of fiber applications. The copolymer is insoluble in common organic solvents and precipitates during copolymerization as irregular snow-white particles of low bulk density (ca. 0.10 gmL~(-1)) or as a lump, causing problems in the post-reaction processes. Some of the polymer sticks to the reactor walls and agitator, creating a problem in large-scale synthesis called "reactor fouling".