CIS-1,4 Polyisoprene Prepared with Alkyl Aluminum and Titanium Tetrachloride

Abstract

Abstract By adjustment of the relative amounts of the two components of the catalyst and the temperature of polymerization, cis-1,4 polyisoprene can be produced free from trans-1,4 configuration. Catalysts containing a mole ratio of alkyl aluminum to titanium tetrachloride of 1.0 produce polymers with this configuration at room temperature. At lower temperature of polymerization, somewhat higher ratios are needed to achieve the same result. Solution polymerization was used to control the reaction and obtain a uniform product. It was necessary to use 3 to 5 phm of total catalyst to obtain 100 per cent yield in 4 hours at room temperature. The inherent viscosity of the polymers made under these conditions is low, usually 2.0 to 2.5. However, higher molecular weight polymers are produced at lower polymerization temperature. Compounding studies indicate that vulcanizates of these polymers possess both normal and hot tensile properties comparable to natural rubber. Hysteretic properties of the carbon black vulcanizates of the polymers studied are inferior to those of natural rubber.