Ag-polymer composite microspheres with patterned surface structures

Novel silver-poly(acrylamide-co-methacrylic acid) [Ag-P(AM-co-MAA)] composite microspheres, in tens of micrometer size range, with patterned surface and core/shell structures were prepared by chemical reduction of Ag₂CrO₄-P(AM-co-MAA) composite microspheres in ethanol. Characterization with various techniques revealed that the chemical composition of the “shell” is dominated by Ag, but the “core” is dominated by the template, P(AM-co-MAA). It was also demonstrated that the surface morphology of the Ag-polymer composite microspheres is similar to that of their precursors and can be controlled to a certain extent by varying the composition of template copolymer, approaches, and amount of Ag₂CrO₄ deposited. This morphology transfer technique is also applicable for other silver salts-polymer composite microspheres. The same silver-polymer composite microspheres with very different morphology have also been prepared by utilizing this technique, but the different precursor microspheres, Ag₃PO₄-P(AM-co-MAA), were used. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

阳离子型共聚物AM/DMBAC疏水微嵌段结构的分析

利用表面张力法对甲基丙烯酰氧乙基二甲基苄基氯化铵(简称DMBAC)在水溶液中的表面活性进行了测试并确定了其CMC值.研究了丙烯酰胺(AM)和DMBAC在水溶液中的共聚合反应行为,测定了AM与DMBAC共聚反应的竞聚率;IR,1H-NMR对共聚物的结构进行了表征;13C-NMR和DSC分析了单体DMBAC浓度对共聚产物微结构的影响;芘作为荧光探针测定了共聚物水溶液的疏水缔合性质.实验结果表明当共聚单体DMBAC浓度大于CMC时DMBAC倾向于均聚,DMBAC在共聚产物主链上呈微嵌段的形式分布.当共聚单体DMBAC浓度小于CMC时,DMBAC与AM倾向于无规共聚.     

Copolymerization of acrylamide and styrene. II. Reactivity ratios with unperturbed acrylamide

It was reported earlier that the copolymerization of acrylamide and styrene is strongly affected by the copolymerization medium. The effect was attributed to a change in the polarity of the ethylenic bond in the acrylamide monomer due to hydrogen bonding and/or dipole—dipole interaction, depending on the medium. In view of those findings, it was suggested that absolute values for the reactivity ratios for the copolymerization of these two monomers might be obtained only when the acrylamide monomer is unperturbed. Copolymerizations of these monomers at a number of ratios, therefore, were done in benzene, which does not undergo hydrogen bonding and has no dipole moment, at high dilution, when amide—amide interactions between acrylamide molecules should be essentially eliminated. The values of r₁ and r₂(M₁ = acrylamide) were 9.14 ± 0.27 and 0.67 ± 0.08, respectively. There appears to be some indication in this system that high dilution adversely affects the reactivity of the acrylamide monomer while enhancing that of styrene. This aspect requires more study.     

Acrylamide/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and associated sodium salt superabsorbent copolymer nanocomposites with mica as fire retardants

Acrylamide (AM) and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS-H⁺) or its sodium salt (AMPS-Na⁺) were copolymerised by free-radical crosslinking polymerization to obtain poly(AM-co-AMPS-H⁺) and poly(AM-co-AMPS-Na⁺) superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). A maximum water absorbency in deionised water of 1200 g g⁻¹ was achieved for poly(AM-co-AMPS-Na⁺) at a 85% mol of AMPS-Na⁺. The inclusion of mica at 5-30% (w w⁻¹) into the preparation of poly(AM-co-AMPS-Na⁺) SAP leads to an intercalated structure, as detected by XRD and TEM analyses. Poly(AM-co-AMPS-Na⁺)/30% (w w⁻¹) mica SAP nanocomposite showed a tap water absorbency of 593 g g⁻¹ with a better thermal stability, compared to the pure SAP. Cone calorimetric analyses revealed that the wood specimens coated with the prepared poly(AM-co-AMPS-Na⁺) SAP or its 30% (w w⁻¹) mica nanocomposite provided excellent protection in delaying the ignition time after exposure to an open flame when compared to that observed with the uncoated specimen. The maximum reduction in the peak heat release rate and the greatest extension of time at peak heat release rate were observed with the nanocomposite-coated surface, but the total heat release rate was increased. The delayed burning mechanism is brought by the intercalating structure of mica in the SAP nanocomposites, which provided a better shielding effect against external heat sources, and the capability of the SAP nanocomposite in holding a large amount of water.     

An electroconductivity study on degree of counterion binding or dissociation of a-sulfonatomyristic acid methyl ester micelles in water as a function of temperature

 For a sodium salt of α-sulfonatomyristic acid methyl ester (14SFNa), one of the α-SFMe series surfactants, the differential conductivity (∂κ/∂C) _T , _P vs. square root of concentration (√C) was employed in order to determine not only CMC but also the limiting molar conductance (Λ⁰) and the molar conductance of micellar species (Λ^M). Based on the data of the degree of counterion binding to micelles (β) determined previously at different temperatures ranging 15–50 °C at every 5 °C, the experimental values of the degree of dissociation (ionization) of a micelle (α_EX) were calculated by regarding as α_EX=1−β. The ratio Λ^M/Λ⁰ corresponding to the ratio of slopes below and above CMC in the curve of specific conductivity (κ) vs. concentration (C), which has been often assumed to be the degree of ionization of micelles (α), was compared with the present α_EX. However, the ratio Λ^M/Λ⁰ (=α) was found to have a correlationship with α_EX (=1−β) as α_EX≈0.40×(Λ^M/Λ⁰), or strictly, α_EX=0.40 (Λ^M/Λ⁰)+0.08, indicating that the simple ratio of the slopes below and above CMC in κ vs. C curve is not true for α_EX=1−β. On the other hand, the method proposed by Evans gave a value closer to α_EX compared with the simple ratio. Received: 17 September 1996 Accepted: 8 April 1997     

Network structure and swelling–shrinking behaviors of pH‐sensitive poly(acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid) hydrogels

pH‐sensitive poly(acrylamide‐co‐itaconic acid) [P(AAm/IA)] hydrogels were prepared by radiation induced copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and itaconic acid (IA) at various ratios. Swelling and shrinking behaviors of these hydrogels were found greatly dependent on the composition of the hydrogel and pH of the buffer solution. The basic structural parameters of the P(AAm/IA) networks such as the molecular weight between crosslinks (M _c) and polymer–solvent interaction parameter (χ) were also determined using the modified Flory‐Rehner equations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 2586–2594, 2004     

Copolymerization of 4-cyclopentene-1,3-dione with p-chlorostyrene and vinylidene chloride

The copolymerization of 4-cyclopentene-1,3-dione (M₂) with p-chlorostyrene and vinylidene chloride is reported. The copolymers were prepared in sealed tubes under nitrogen with azobisisobutyronitrile initiator. Infrared absorption bands at 1580 cm.^?1 revealed the presence of a highly enolic β-diketone and indicated that copolymerization had occurred. The copolymer compositions were determined from the chlorine analyses and the reactivity ratios were evaluated. The copolymerization with p-chlorostyrene (M₁) was highly alternating and provided the reactivity ratios r₁ = 0.32 ± 0.06, r₂ = 0.02 ± 0.01. Copolymerization with vinylidene chloride (M₁) afforded the reactivity ratios r₁ = 2.4 ± 0.6, r₂ = 0.15 ± 0.05. The Q and e values for the dione (Q = 0.13, e = 1.37), as evaluated from the results of the vinylidene chloride case, agree closely with the previously reported results of copolymerization with methyl methacrylate and acrylonitrile and confirm the general low reactivity of 4-cyclopentene-1,3-dione in nonalternating systems.     

Water-soluble copolymers. XII. Copolymers of acrylamide with sodium-3-acrylamido-3-methylbutanoate: Synthesis and characterization

The copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) with sodium-3-acrylamido-3-methylbutanoate (NaAMB) has been studied. The value of r₁r₂ has been determined to be 0.56 for the AM–NaAMB pair. The molecular weights of the copolymers were relatively unaffected by monomer feed ratios. The copolymer microstructures, including run numbers and sequence distributions, were calculated from the reactivity ratios. The solution properties of the AM–NaAMB copolymers, as well as the NaAMB homopolymer, will be reported in a subsequent paper.     

Homopolymerization and Copolymerization of Isoprene and Styrene with a Neodymium Catalyst Using an Alkylmagnesium Cocatalyst

The catalyst system Nd(acac)₃·2 H₂O/Bu₂Mg/CHCl₃ shows a fairly high activity in both the homo‐ and copolymerization of isoprene (IP) and styrene (St) in toluene at 60°C. Copolymers obtained from various comonomer feed ratios were characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy and gel‐permeation chromatography. The polyisoprene and poly(IP‐co‐St) obtained predominantly consist of cis‐1,4 IP units. Monomer reactivity ratios were evaluated to be r_IP = 5.4 and r_St = 0.38 in the copolymerization.     

Radical copolymerization of acrylonitrile with 2,2,2‐trifluoroethyl acrylate for dielectric materials: Structure and characterization

Radical copolymerization based on acrylonitrile (AN) and 2,2,2‐Trifluoroethyl acrylate (ATRIF) initited by AIBN was investigated in acetonitrile solution. The resulting poly(AN‐co‐ATRIF) copolymers were characterized by ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁹F NMR and IR spectroscopy, and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). Their compositions were assessed by ¹H NMR. The kinetics of radical copolymerization of AN with ATRIF was investigated from sereval experiments achieved at 70 °C from initial [AN]₀/[ATRIF]₀ molar ratios ranging between 20/80 and 80/20 and was enabled to determine the reactivity ratios of both comonomers. From the monomer—polymer copolymerization curve, the Fineman–Ross and Kelen–Tüdos laws enabled to assess the reactivity ratios (r_AN= r₁ = 1.25 ± 0.04 and r_ATRIF = r₂ = 0.93 ± 0.05 at 70 °C) while the revised patterns scheme led to r₁₂ = r_AN = 1.03, and r₂₁ = r_ATRIF = 0.78 at 70 °C. In all cases, r_AN x r_ATRIF product was close to unity, which indicates that poly(AN‐co‐ATRIF) copolymers exhibit a random structure. This was also confirmed by the Igarashi's and Pyun's laws which revealed the presence of AN‐ATRIF, AN‐AN, and ATRIF‐ATRIF dyads. The Q and e values for ATRIF were also assessed (Q₂ = 0.62 and e₂ = 0.93). The glass transition temperature values, T_g, of these copolymers increased from 17 to 61 °C as the molar percentage of ATRIF decreased from 77 to 16% in the copolymer. Thermogravimetry analysis of poly(AN‐co‐ATRIF) copolymers showed a good thermal stability compared to that of poly(ATRIF) homopolymer due to incorporation of AN comonomer. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013 , 51, 3856–3866     

Elaboration of densely functionalized polylactide nanoparticles from N‐acryloxysuccinimide‐based block copolymers

Poly(N‐acryloxysuccinimide) (PNAS) and poly(N‐acryloxysuccinimide‐co‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (P(NAS‐co‐NVP)) of adjustable molecular weights and narrow polydispersities were prepared by nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP) in N,N‐dimethylformamide in the presence of free SG1 (N‐tert‐butyl‐N‐1‐diethylphosphono‐(2,2‐dimethylpropyl) nitroxide), with MAMA‐SG1 (N‐(2‐methylpropyl)‐N‐(1‐diethylphosphono‐2,2‐dimethylpropyl)‐O‐(2‐carboxylprop‐2‐yl)hydroxylamine) alkoxyamine as initiator. The reactivity ratios of NAS and NVP were determined to be r_NAS = 0.12 and r_NVP = 0, indicating a strong alternating tendency for the P(NAS‐co‐NVP) copolymer. NAS/NVP copolymerization was then performed from a SG1‐functionalized poly(D ,L ‐lactide) (PLA‐SG1) macro‐alkoxyamine as initiator, leading to the corresponding PLA‐b‐P(NAS‐co‐NVP) block copolymer, with similar NAS and NVP reactivity ratios as mentioned above. The copolymer was used as a surface modifier for the PLA diafiltration and nanoprecipitation processes to achieve nanoparticles in the range of 450 and 150 nm, respectively. The presence of the functional/hydrophilic P(NAS‐co‐NVP) block, and particularly the N‐succinimidyl (NS) ester moieties at the particle surface, was evidenced by ethanolamine derivatization and zeta potential measurements. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

1-(Bromoacetyl)pyrene,a novel photoinitiator for the copolymerization of styrene and acrylonitrile

A comparative study on photoinitiated solution copolymerization of Styrene (Sty), with acrylonitrile (AN) using pyrene, 1-acetylpyrene, and 1-(bromoacetyl)pyrene (BrPy) as initiators, showed that the introduction of a chromophoric moiety, bromoacetyl (–COCH₂Br), significantly increased the photoinitiating ability of pyrene. The kinetics and mechanism of copolymerization of Sty with AN (Sty–co–AN) using BrPy as photoinitiator has been studied in detail. The kinetic data, inhibiting effect of benzoquinone, and electron spin resonance (ESR) studies suggest that the polymerization proceeds via a free radical mechanism. The system followed non-ideal kinetics (R _p α[BrPy]^0.7[Sty]^1.09[AN]^1.01) and degradative solvent transfer reasonably explained these kinetic non-idealities. The co-monomer reactivity ratios calculated by using the Finemann–Ross and Kelen–Tudos models were r ₁ (Sty) = 0.39 and r ₂ (AN) = 0.05. The reactivity ratios strongly indicate that the two monomers enter in almost alternating arrangement along the copolymer chain.     

Cellulose wet wiper sheets prepared with cationic polymer and carboxymethyl cellulose using a papermaking technique

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)-rich cellulose sheets were prepared with a cationic retention aid, poly[N,N,N-trimethyl-N-(2-methacryloxyethyl)ammonium chloride] (PTMMAC), using a papermaking technique. When 5% PTMMAC and 5% CMC were added to cellulose slurries, approximately 94% of the polymers were retained in the sheets by formation of polyion complexes between the two polymers. When the PTMMAC/CMC/cellulose sheets were soaked in solutions consisting of ethanol, water and calcium chloride (EtOH/H₂O/CaCl₂) with a weight ratio of 75:24:1, almost all PTMMAC and CMC molecules remained in the sheets, forming the structures of PTMMAC-N⁺Cl⁻ and CMC-COO⁻Ca²⁺Cl⁻ without dissolution of these molecules in the soaking solution. Thus, PTMMAC, CMC and calcium contents in the sheets were able to be determined on the basis of these PTMMAC and CMC structures from analytical data such as nitrogen, calcium and chlorine contents. The trade-off properties between sufficient wet strength in use and water-disintegrability after use can be added to the PTMMAC/CMC/cellulose sheets by selecting weight ratios of the EtOH/H₂O/CaCl₂ solution used as the impregnation liquid.     

Radical copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride with 1‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoroethylene

The radical copolymerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) and 1‐bromo‐2,2‐difluoroethylene (BDFE) in 1,1,1,3,3‐pentafluorobutane solution at different monomer molar ratios (ranging from 96/4 to 25/75 mol %) and initiated by tert‐butylperoxypivalate (TBPPI, mainly) is presented. Poly(VDF‐co‐BDFE) copolymers of various aspects (from white powders to yellow viscous liquids) were produced depending on the copolymer compositions. The microstructures of the obtained copolymers were characterized by ¹⁹F and ¹H NMR spectroscopy and by elementary analysis and these techniques enabled one to assess the contents of both comonomers in the produced copolymers. VDF was shown to be more incorporated in the copolymer than BDFE. From the extended Kelen and Tudos method, the kinetics of the radical copolymerization led to the determination of the reactivity ratios, r_i, of both comonomers (r_VDF = 1.20 ± 0.50 and r_{BDFE =} 0.40 ± 0.15 at 75 °C) showing that VDF is more reactive than BDFE. Alfrey‐Price's Q and e values of BDFE monomer were calculated to be 0.009 (from Q_VDF = 0.008) or 0.019 (from Q_VDF = 0.015) and +1.22 (vs. e_VDF = 0.40) or +1.37 (vs. e_VDF = 0.50), respectively, indicating that BDFE is an electron‐accepting monomer. Statistic cooligomers were produced with molar masses ranging from 1,800 to 5,500 g/mol (assessed by GPC with polystyrene standards). A further evidence of the successful copolymerization was shown by the selective reduction of bromine atoms in poly(VDF‐co‐BDFE) cooligomers that led to analog PVDF. The thermal properties of the poly(VDF‐co‐BDFE) cooligomers were also determined and those containing a high VDF amount exhibited a high thermal stability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3964–3976, 2010.     

Organostibine mediated controlled/living random copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate

The first example of organostibine mediated controlled/living random copolymerization of styrene (St) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was achieved by heating a solution of St/MMA/organostibine mediator at 100 °C or St/MMA/organostibine mediator/AIBN with various monomer feed ratios at 60 °C. The addition of AIBN significantly decreased the reaction temperature and enhanced the rate of copolymerization. The structure of poly(St-co-MMA) was verified by ¹H NMR. The reactivity ratios at 60 °C were determined by the extended Kelen-Tüd?s method to be γ_St = 0.40 and γ_MMA = 0.44. The ln([M]₀/[M]) increased linearly with increasing reaction time. The number-average molecular weights of poly(St-co-MMA) increased linearly with conversion. Poly(St-co-MMA) with expected number-average molecular weight and low polydispersity index was formed. The living characteristic was further confirmed by chain-extension of poly(St-co-MMA) to form poly(St-co-MMA)-b-PMMA.     

Synthesis and properties of water‐soluble azlactone copolymers

Preparation and study of a series of copolymers incorporating 2‐vinyl‐4,4‐dimethylazlactone (VDMA) is reported. The reactivity ratios for photo‐initiated free radical copolymerization of VDMA with methacrylic acid (MAA), acrylic acid (AA), acrylamide (AAm), dimethylacrylamide (DMAA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (MPEG₃₀₀MA), and 2‐methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), were determined by fitting comonomer conversion data obtained by in situ ¹H NMR to a terminal copolymerization equation. Semi‐batch photo‐copolymerizations were then used to synthesize the corresponding VDMA copolymers with constant composition. Their solubility and dissolution behavior, as well as their hydrolysis half‐lives under physiological conditions, were determined. P(VDMA‐co‐MAA) copolymers with 52 to 93 mol % VDMA showed decreasing initial solubility and increasing hydrolysis half‐lives with increasing VDMA content. VDMA copolymers with nonionic monomers AAm and DMAA were water soluble only at VDMA contents of 41 and 22 mol % or less, respectively, and showed longer hydrolysis half‐lives than comparable MAA copolymers. VDMA copolymers with HEMA and MPEG₃₀₀MA were found to crosslink during storage, so their hydrolysis half‐lives were not determined. VDMA copolymers with 18% zwitterionic MPC showed a much longer half‐life and superior initial solubility compared to analogous p(VDMA‐co‐MAA), identifying this copolymer as a promising candidate for macromolecular crosslinkers in, for example, aqueous layer‐by‐layer co‐depositions with polyamines. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Superabsorbent poly(acrylamide-co-itaconic acid) hydrogel microspheres: Preparation,characterization and absorbency

Poly(acrylamide-co-itaconic acid) (P(AM-co-IA)) hydrogel microspheres were prepared via inverse suspension polymerization method. DLS results showed the formation of the monodispersed hydrogel microspheres. The size of the hydrogel microspheres could be controlled by polymerization parameters. Absorbencies of P(AM-co-IA) microspheres in water and saline were investigated and calculated by size changes of each particle before and after swelling. The results showed that P(AM-co-IA) had high absorbencies, the weight of swollen particles was above 4000 times to that of the original dried microspheres. The superabsorbent hydrogel microspheres might find the potential applications in the fields of soil amendments, water shutoff agents, and drug delivery carriers.     

Living copolymerization of ethylene with norbornene by fluorinated enolato‐imine titanium catalyst

Complex [Ti(κ²‐N,O‐{2,6‐F₂C₆H₃N?C(Me)C(H) ?C(CF₃) O})₂Cl₂] ( 1 ) was evaluated as catalyst for living copolymerization of ethylene (E) with norbornene (N) upon activation with dried methylaluminoxane (d‐MAO) at temperatures between 25 and 90 °C. Copolymerization performed at different [N]/[E] feed ratios afforded stereoirregular alternating high molar mass P(E‐co‐N) with narrow molar mass distribution. The living nature of E‐co‐N copolymerization by 1 /d‐MAO was demonstrated by kinetics at 50 °C. This catalyst system was used for the synthesis of block copolymers such as polyethylene (PE)‐block‐P(E‐co‐N) with a crystalline PE block and an amorphous P(E‐co‐N) block as well as P(E‐co‐N)₁‐block‐P(E‐co‐N)₂, having different norbornene contents in the segments and thus having different T_g values. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Synthesis and characterization of epoxy functionalized cooligomers based on chlorotrifluoroethylene and allyl glycidyl ether

The synthesis of functionalized fluorocooligomers based on chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) under radical copolymerization is presented. The compositions of comonomers in the cooligomers were determined by three different analyses viz: from ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopy by using 1,3‐bis(trifluoromethyl) benzene as the external standard, epoxy equivalent weight value, and elemental analyses. The compositions determined by three methods were matching reasonably well and showed that the resulting poly(CTFE‐co‐AGE) cooligomers exhibit a tendency for alternation. The distribution of the monomers in the cooligomers was proposed based on the assessment of the reactivity ratios, r_i, of both comonomers. These values were determined from the kinetics of radical copolymerization of CTFE with AGE from Fineman‐Ross, Kelen‐Tudos, and extended Kelen‐Tudos methods which led to the assessment of the average reactivity ratios as: r_CTFE = 0.20 ± 0.03 and r_AGE = 0.15 ± 0.08 at 74 °C. The lower M_n values substantiated the formation of cooligomers rather than copolymers. The formation of cooligomers was attributed to the chain transfer to AGE (by hydrogen abstraction from AGE) from the allylic transfer. The poly(CTFE‐co‐AGE) cooligomers were soluble in most of the common organic polar solvents. An optimization of cooligomer yields was investigated by using ethyl vinyl ether as a third comonomer and from different initiators. The thermal stabilities of the cooligomers, obtained by thermal gravimetric analysis, showed a 5% weight loss at temperatures over 225 °C under air. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3587–3595, 2010     

High activity Ziegler–Natta catalysts for the preparation of ethylene copolymers

High activity ethylene polymerization catalysts have been prepared by the interaction of ethylmagnesium chloride in tetrahydrofuran with high surface area silica, followed by reaction with excess titanium tetrachloride in heptane. The catalysts were tested in ethylene—hexene copolymerization reactions in the presence of AlEt₃ at 80°C. For comparison purposes, the copolymerization properties of a similar catalyst prepared without silica were also evaluated. Preparative conditions were identified which provide catalysts that possess high reactivity towards 1-hexane. The silica and the amount of magnesium used in catalyst preparation strongly affect the copolymerization properties of the catalysts. Generally, catalysts prepared with silica showed much higher sensitivity to 1-hexene (effective reactivity ratio r₁ = 25–60) while a similar catalyst prepared without silica exhibited an r₁ value of 125. Fractionation of the copolymer with a series of boiling solvents showed that all the catalysts exhibit a wide distribution of active centers with respect to reactivity ratios, with the r₁ values varying from 5–7 to ca. 200. The width of a the center distribution depends on catalyst composition—it is the narrowest for the catalyst prepared without silica and is the widest for the catalysts with intermediate Ti : Mg ratios.