GB878635A - Process for the polymerisation of olefins - Google Patents

Abstract

Normally gaseous olefines are polymerized in a liquid reaction medium at a pressure below 100 kg./sq. cm., and at a temperature not greater than 100 DEG C. in the presence of a catalyst consisting of or comprising a mixture of an organometallic compound of a metal of Group 1-3 of the Periodic Table according to Mendeleeff and a compound of a metal of subgroups (a) of Group 4-6 of the Table, and in the presence of solid, chemically resistant bodies of a size which is relatively small compared with that of the polymerization zone, and agitating the reaction medium in such a manner that the bodies are kept in motion. The polymerization may be effected in a continuous manner. The solid bodies have preferably a number of sides with adjacent sides meeting in a line (thus, for example, they may be cubes) and some of the bodies may be heavier than the reaction medium whilst others are lighter than the medium. The bodies may be made of polyethylene of molecular weight above 750,000. The olefine may be ethylene, and the catalyst a mixture of titanium chlorides and an aluminium alkyl compound. The inert bodies are also stated to minimize deposition of the polyoefine on the walls of the polymerization zone. Specifications 799,823, 801,031 and 876,023 are referred to.