| abstract |
A polymerization process, especially a solution polymerization process, for the preparation of high molecular weight polymers of alpha-olefins less susceptible to yellowness is disclosed. The process comprises feeding monomer(s), coordination catalyst and optionally inert hydrocarbon solvent to a reactor, polymerizing the monomers at a temperature of up to 320 DEG C. and deactivating the catalyst. An organozirconium compound is admixed with the polymer thus obtained. The organozirconium compound is of the formula ZrOm(OCOR')n(OR'')p-n where R' and R'' are independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl and cycloalkyl having 1-20 carbon atoms, and m =0 or 1, provided that when m=0, p is 4 and n is 0-4, and when m=1, p is 2 and n=0-2. Any hydrocarbon solvent and other volatile matter are then separated and a composition comprising said high molecular weight polymer is recovered. Alternatively the organozirconium compound may be blended with the polymer subsequent to the polymerization process. Examples of the high molecular weight polymers of alpha-olefins are homopolymers of ethylene, copolymers of ethylene with alpha-olefin homologues thereof, polypropylene and polybutene. |