Modified silicas as supports for single-site zirconocene catalysts

The reactivity of Cp₂ZrCl₂ towards partially dehydroxylated silica was evaluated and the effects of chemical modification of this silica were studied. Different modified silicas were prepared by reaction of the original partially dehydroxylated silica with silicon ethers, EtOSiMe₃ and (Me₃Si)₂O, or a silazane, (Me₃Si)₂NH. The resulting materials were activated with MAO and the catalytic systems were evaluated in ethylene polymerization. The different reactions were monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. The catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis as well as by infrared and UV–vis spectroscopy. Grafting of organosilanes occurs by reaction with reactive siloxane bridges. The new SiR₃ groups formed on the surface react with Cp₂ZrCl₂ to form volatile ClSiMe₃ and oxo zirconium species. These latter species are active, after the addition of MAO, in ethylene polymerization. The effects caused by changing the nature of the modifier in the grafting reaction with the metallocene, as well as the catalytic activities of the resulting materials, are presented and discussed.