Promoting ethylene polymerization through cocatalyst modification

Effect of chlorocyclohexane (CHC) on ethylene polymerization using MgCl 2 /TiCl 4 /TEA Ziegler–Natta catalyst system was studied, where MgCl 2 , TiCl 4 , and TEA (triethyl aluminum) were used as support, catalyst, and activator, respectively. The polymerization rate, catalyst activity, and produced polymer were significantly affected by the presence of CHC as a promoter. This study strongly indicates that CHC will act as a promoter with high performance in the ethylene polymerization. There was a remarkable increase in the catalyst yield and polymerization rate, particularly, in the presence of hydrogen which was used for controlling the molecular weight. A reduction in the polymer molecular weight was observed in the presence of CHC and hydrogen. The amount of the produced wax as a byproduct noticeably reduced. The morphology of the polymers was evaluated through scanning electron microscopy and particle size distribution.