Characterization of MAO-Modified Silicas for Ethylene Polymerization

ABSTRACT A series of methylaluminoxane (MAO)‐modified PQ and EP 12 silicas, calcined at 110, 250, and 450°C, were prepared. The resulting MAO‐modified supports were characterized by a set of complementary techniques: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy‐energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDX), small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The Al/Si ratios of the MAO‐modified PQ and EP12 silicas were in the ranges of 0.19–0.27 wt % and 0.17–0.30 wt %, respectively. MAO‐modified silicas were used in the polymerization of ethylene using an Et2IndZrCl2 catalyst. The MAO‐modified PQ silica showed higher activity in comparison to the MAO‐modified EP12. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4568–4575, 2013