Linear a-olefins represent an important class of chemical feedstocks that find their way into a wide variety of industries. However, the production of linear a-olefins is not selective: instead of targeting a single olefin, manufacturers produce a range of products. Some of these products have extremely high demand, while others have relatively low demand. The production of low-demand olefins is unavoidable and results in wasted raw materials and energy. Recently, scientists have discovered a catalyst system that polymerizes a range of a-olefins and yields a more regular polymer structure than can be achieved otherwise. In short, the new catalyst system can generate the same commercial product using the low-demand products from a-olefin production. Phase I will: (1) determine the commercial viability of the catalyst system, (2) compare the materials that are produced to the currently commercialized materials, (3) study the incorporation of comonomers for cross-linking, and (4) synthesize triblock copolymers for thermoplastic elastomer applications. Phase II will focus on developing a pilot-scale process and identifying opportunities in the oil additive, polymer additive, specialty rubber, and thermoplastic elastomers markets.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new class of catalysts would have the advantages of low cost and the ability to be tailored to a variety of specialty applications. Early goals will focus on the production of materials currently commercialized, while later goals will explore the production and properties of new thermoplastic polyolefins
