New Polyolefin Nanocomposites and Catalyst Supports Based on Organophilic Boehmites

PE-boehmite nanocomposites were prepared by means of metallocene-catalyzed in situ polymerization of ethylene in presence of dispersed boehmites which were rendered organophilic by modification with organic acids. Polymerization activity, filler dispersion and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated as a function of type and concentration of the organophilic boehmites. Sulfonate modified boehmites were used as supports for MAO-activated single site metallocene catalysts and nanocomposite formation via fragmentation of the self-assembled nanoparticles and redispersion during polymerization.