The polymerisation of styrene by solid catalysts derived from the reaction of TiIV compounds with grignard reagents II‐kinetic studies

Abstract

AbstractThe kinetics of polymerisation of styrene by stereospecific solid catalysts prepared by reacting titanium tetrachloride with alkyl magnesium bromide have been studied.The energy of activation was smaller than that observed with the more active catalysts which gave low molecular weight amorphous polymer. The rates (and activation energies) measured were not simple chemical factors as the polymerisation is restricted from the earliest stages by accumulation of polymer on the catalyst surface.The kinetics of polymerisation at encapsulated catalyst particles are discussed.