Cocatalysts for reduction of production problems in metallocene-catalyzed polymerizations

Abstract

Polyolefins may be prepared using a cocatalyst conforming to the formula: AIRz(Xz)nLzm wherein Rz is a linear or branched organic moiety having at least 5 carbons and Xz is a linear or branched organic moiety having at least 5 carbons or a heterocyclic moiety having at least 4 atoms and can be anionic or di-anionic. The aluminum complex may also be in the form of an adduct complex where Lz is a Lewis base and m=1-3. The cocatalyst Rz components are selected such that they do not react with water under polymerization conditions to form a species that is highly soluble in the polymerization diluent. Use of the specified cocatalyst reduces fouling during metallocene-catalyzed runs and “post-metallocene hangover” when the same production equipment is transitioned to non-metallocene catalyst runs using catalysts such as chromium.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.