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Polymerization of propylene with Ziegler–Natta catalyst: optimization of operating conditions by response surface methodology (RSM)

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Abstract

Optimization of operational conditions for the polymerization of propylene with Ziegler–Natta catalyst was carried out via RSM. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a three-level, four-variable Box–Behnken design was used to evaluate the interactive effects of reaction conditions such as reaction temperature (60–80 °C), monomer pressure (5–8 bar), hydrogen volume (130–170 mL), and cocatalyst to catalyst ratio (Al/Ti, 340–500) on the catalyst activity and melt flow rate (MFR). The optimum reaction conditions derived via RSM were: temperature 70 °C, pressure 8 bar, hydrogen volume 151 mL, and cocatalyst to catalyst ratio 390. The experimental catalyst activity and MFR were 8 g polypropylene/mg catalyst and 10.9 g/10 min, respectively, under optimum conditions. Optimum values were determined from process cost point of view and offered better operational conditions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Polymerization Engineering, Iran Polymer and Petrochemical Institute, P.O. Box: 14965/115, Tehran, Iran

    Hanieh Nassiri, Hassan Arabi, Shokoufeh Hakim & Shiva Bolandi

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  1. Hanieh Nassiri
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  2. Hassan Arabi
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  3. Shokoufeh Hakim
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  4. Shiva Bolandi
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Correspondence to Hassan Arabi.

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Nassiri, H., Arabi, H., Hakim, S. et al. Polymerization of propylene with Ziegler–Natta catalyst: optimization of operating conditions by response surface methodology (RSM). Polym. Bull. 67, 1393–1411 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-011-0568-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-011-0568-y

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