A Novel Linear−Hyperbranched Multiblock Polyethylene Produced from Ethylene Monomer Alone via Chain Walking and Chain Shuttling Polymerization

• DOI: 10.1021/ma802352t
• Publication Date: 2009-02-20T13:23:57Z
• Authors: Anguo Xiao; Li Wang; Qingquan Liu; Haojie Yu; Jianjun Wang; Jia Huo; Qiaohua Tan; Jianhua Ding; Wenbing Ding; Abid Muhammad Amin
• Keywords: Chain transfer; Linear low-density polyethylene; Living polymerization; Molar mass distribution

A novel linear−hyperbranched multiblock polyethylene was prepared from ethylene monomer alone via chain walking and shuttling polymerization in the presence of transfer agent (ZnEt2). In binary catalyst system, α-diimine nickel(II) bromide complex (CatA) produced segments with hyperbranched architecture walking, ansa-ethylenebis(1-η5-indenyl)zirconium dichloride (CatB) yielded linear segments, while ZnEt2 facilitated exchanges between two active metal centers. The resultant featured a narrow weight distribution useful combining properties branched polyethylene. Further, polymers were expediently an effective economical process alone.