Effect of Silane‐Based External Donor to Product Properties of Homopolypropylene Synthesized by Ziegler–Natta Catalyst

Abstract

AbstractPolypropylene utilization has been rapidly growing since its discovery in 1954 due to its unique combination of mechanical and chemical properties. Most polypropylene manufacturer use MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst comprises of MgCl2 support, internal donor, and active site of TiCl4. Addition of cocatalyst and external donor are also necessary in polymerization process. External donor, also known as selectivity control agent is often used in polypropylene production for stereo‐selectivity control as well as for product properties adjustment. The effect of two different silane‐based donor cyclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane (C‐Donor) and dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (D‐Donor) on the product properties are studied. The impact is observed in homopolypropylene with similar melt flow rate synthesized with Ziegler–Natta catalyst. Product properties such as resin fundamental properties (xylene soluble, color), film physical properties (tensile strength, elongation), and film optical properties (clarity, haze, gloss) are observed and evaluated. From the series of testing, both C‐donor and D‐donor products perform comparable fundamental, physical, and optical properties. This study shows that the type of silane‐based external donor gives only slight effect to homopolypropylene product properties.