Preparation of PE/MMT nanocomposite by monomer intercalation and in situ copolymerization

The catalyst [(2-ArN=C(Me))₂C₅H₃N]FeCl₂ (Ar = 2-C₆H₄(i-Pr)) with methylaluminoxane (MAO) as cocatalyst was intercalated between layers of montmorillonite (MMT) for ethylene oligomerization. Metallocene catalyst Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ and MAO was then added to form a dual functional catalytic system. A PE/MMT nanocomposite was prepared by copolymerization of ethylene with α-olefins produced in situ from ethylene over the dual functional catalytic system. The catalytic system was of high polymeric activity. The resultant PE/MMT nanocomposites were stable and got increases in tensile strength and temperature of maximum weight loss (T_onset).