Immobilized organometallic catalysts in the catalytic polymerization of olefins

Studies in the field of supported Ziegler-Natta catalysts employed for the polymerization of olefins that were begun by works performed under the guidance of Prof. Chirkov are reviewed in brief. The development of immobilization procedure for metallocene catalysts including the synthesis of alkylaluminoxanes heterogenized on the support surface via the partial hydrolysis of AlR₃ by water contained in the support and subsequent supporting of a metallocene is described. It is revealed how the immobilization of various metallocenes on the solid surface affects the activity of the catalysts and the structure and molecular mass of the polymers. The use of immobilized organometallic catalysts for the polymerization filling of polyolefin matrices aimed at the design of new polymer composites with special characteristics and preparation of polyolefin nanocomposites is considered.