Polymerization process for butene-1 and alpha-olefin monomers

Abstract

It is herein disclosed, a process for polymerizing butene-1 into homopolymers and copolymers, using a catalyst system containing titanium trichloride, diethylaluminum chloride, and a substituted phenol in specified molar proportions. It is further disclosed, products made by the inventive process, and articles of manufacture made from these products.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for producing butene-1 polymers that comprises polymerizing (a) butene-1 or a monomer mixture of butene-1 and one or more alpha-olefins having 2-10 carbon atoms;   (b) at a temperature between about 130° F. and about 150° F.; and   (c) in the presence of a catalyst system consisting essentially of titanium trichloride, and a cocatalyst which is a mixture of diethylaluminum chloride and at least one substituted phenol and wherein the mole percent. ratio of diethylaluminum chloride to said substituted phenol is between about 4:1 and 0.5:1, and the molar ratio of aluminum to titanium is between about 3:1 and about 6:1.   
     
     
       2. A method as in claim 1 wherein (a) said temperature is about 140° F.;   (b) said mole percent ratio of diethylaluminum chloride to said substituted phenol is about 2.45:1; and   (c) said molar ratio of aluminum to titanium is about 5:1.   
     
     
       3. A method as in claim 1 wherein (a) said temperature is about 140° F.;   (b) said mole percent ratio of diethylaluminum chloride to said substituted phenol is about 1.5:1; and   (c) said molar ratio of aluminum to titanium is about 6:1.   
     
     
       4. A method as in claim 1 wherein (a) said temperature is about 140° F.;   (b) said mole percent ratio of diethylaluminum chloride to said substituted phenol is about 0.67:1; and   (c) said molar ratio of aluminum to titanium is about 4:1.   
     
     
       5. A method as in claim 1 wherein (a) said temperature is about 150° F.;   (b) said mole percent ratio of diethylaluminum chloride to said substituted phenol is about 1.5:1; and (c) said molar ratio of aluminum to titanium is about 6:1.   
     
     
       6. A method as in claim 1 wherein said alpha-olefin monomer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       7. A method as in claim 6 wherein said alpha-olefin monomer is ethylene. 
     
     
       8. A method as in claim 7 wherein said alpha-olefin monomer is propylene. 
     
     
       9. A product produced by the process of claim 1. 
     
     
       10. A shaped article of manufacture produced from the product of claim 9.