Copolymerization of propylene with acrylate by a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst

Propylene was polymerized by using a Ziegler-Natta type catalyst in the presence of ethylchloroaluminum acrylate, which was formed by the reaction of diethylaluminum chloride with acrylic acid. The polymer obtained contained acrylic units which were proved to be copolymerized with propylene units by solvent extraction, infrared spectrum, and NMR spectrum. The copolymer showed much improved properties compared with the polypropylene homopolymer.