Surface Model for Gas‐Phase Polymerizations of Ethylene and Propylene Using Supported Metallocene/Methylalumoxane Catalysts

Abstract In order to obtain more detailed information about supported metallocene/methylaluminoxane catalysts, two catalysts are supported onto a flat silicon wafer by spincoating impregnation. These model catalysts are characterized by SEM and EDX showing a film of metallocene catalyst dispersed inside the methylaluminoxane matrix, as well as regions of a localized increased concentration of the catalyst. Applying these model catalysts in a gas‐phase polymerization reactor results in rather homogeneous films of polyethylene and polypropylene, respectively. In addition, crater‐like and spherical polymer structures can be observed, probably formed by inhomogeneous catalyst distribution.