Role of Titanium in Ti/SiO2?Supported Metallocene?based Olefin Polymerization Catalysts. Part 2: Particle Fragmentation

A commercial SiO2 modified by the addition of a TiO2 layer on its surface and pore walls offers support for metallocene-based ethylene polymerization catalysts with 35% improved catalytic activity. The effect such modification catalyst particle fragmentation during reactions were assessed. This was performed exposing internal cross-section several Ti/SiO2-based metallocene particles, polymerized at wide range reaction conditions, Focused-Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM), followed semi-quantitative analysis polymer, macropores each 2D image obtained. titanation lead to framework that fractures earlier more efficiently. evidenced presence empty (polymer-free) cracks along dense-shell, found extensively in Ti-modified particle, which also resulted sustained particles macroporosity course reaction.