Nanostructured PP-PE Polymer Composites From Catalytic Dehydrogenated Enhanced Propylene Production

Versatile nanostructures of polymer composites are developed in the second step of a compact process which utilizes propylene and ethylene mixtures coming out of a novel catalytic dehydrogenator. Emhasis is given in the development of pure polypropylene nanoparticles and of copolymers of the polypropylene-polyethylene srtucture.

We are varying the operation conditions and model characteristics of the polymerization reactor in which the above polymerization reactions are taking place. Furthermore, we are testing a number of operations with statistical analysis, estimations, and product design.

A number of innovative improvements in the polymerization reactor leads into advancements in the final products produced. The separation and recycling of the unreacted olefins from the solvents used is an additional feature of the reacting system. The highly useful PP, PP-PE polymers produced in this way are tested in terms of their nanosize particle size, their degree of crystalinity and their tensile properties.

Moreover, a number of adjustments in the upstream catalytic dehydrogenator changes the concentration of the monomer in the polymerization reactor and can improve the fractional conversion and overall yield of the polymer nanocomposites.