Synthesis of Polar-functionalized Isotactic Polypropylenes Using Commercial Heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta Catalyst

Abstract

The efficient synthesis of polar-functionalized polypropylenes with high molecular weight and high stereoregularity represents a challenging task. This challenge becomes even more daunting when pursuing an industrially preferred heterogeneous process. This study demonstrated the realization of these goals through the use of commercial heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts in the copolymerization of propylene with ionic cluster polar monomers. The results revealed high copolymerization activity (∼1.1 × 107 g mol–1 h–1), moderate polar monomer incorporation ratios (∼4.9 mol %), high copolymer molecular weight (M w > 105 g mol–1), high stereoregularity ([mmmm] ∼ 96%), and high melting temperature range (150–162 °C). The utilization of ionic cluster polar monomers improved the thermal stability as well as stereoselectivity of the catalyst. Moreover, the Ziegler–Natta catalyst can homopolymerize ionic cluster polar monomers with high activities (>104 g mol–1 h–1). The resulting polar-functionalized isotactic polypropylenes (iPP) exhibited superior tensile strength, impact strength, creep resistance, transparency, and crystallinity compared with nonpolar iPP. This enhancement was attributable to the dual roles of the ionic cluster polar monomer unit, serving as both a transparent nucleating agent and a dynamic cross-linking functionality. Furthermore, the polar-functionalized iPP exhibited improved compatibility with polar materials, offering benefits for applications in composites, recycling of mixed plastic wastes, 3D printing, and other fields. This study offered a comprehensive solution for the future industrial production of polar-functionalized iPP via copolymerization, bridging the gap between an efficient and practical copolymerization process from a synthetic chemistry perspective and enhanced material properties from an application perspective.