LONG CHAIN BRANCHED POLYMERS AND A PROCESS TO MAKE LONG CHAIN BRANCHED POLYMERS

摘要

A novel polymer and process for producing polymers incorporating linear long chain side branches are provided. The long chain linear branches occur at a frequency of less than 5.0 branches per 1000 carbon atom of the main polymer chains with at least some branches having a molecular weight greater than the critical molecular weight for entanglement of the polymer. The linear long chain branched polymers are produced by alpha-olefin macromolecule incorporation during bridged metallocene catalyst polymerization in solution and slurry processes. The polymers are characterized by superior processability characteristics of the polymer melts and superior mechanical characteristics of the solid polymers. The polymers are useful for fabrication into a wide variety of articles by conventional fabrication techniques.