Markus Stürzel

From Multisite Polymerization Catalysis to Sustainable Materials and All-Polyolefin Composites

All-Polyolefin Composites Markus Stürzel,† Shahram Mihan,‡ and Rolf Mülhaupt*,†,§ †Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF) and Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 31, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany ‡Basell Polyolefine GmbH, Catalyst Systems, Industriepark Hoechst, D-65926 Frankfurt am Main, Germany Sustainability Center Freiburg, Ecker-Strasse 4, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany

Polyolefin Nanocomposites and Hybrid Catalysts

The interplay of single- and multi-site catalysts with nanoparticles, nanostructure formation, and polymer crystallization represents the key to the development of advanced polyolefin materials for sustainable development. In polymerization filling technology, catalysts are supported on a great variety of nanofillers. In contrast to melt compounding, effective nanoparticle dispersion is readily achieved during catalytic olefin polymerization, independent of polyolefin molar mass. Novel families of in situ-formed polyolefin carbon hybrid materials are based upon single- and multi-layer graphene. Supported multi-site catalysts produce reactor blends as all “polyolefin” nanocomposites, reinforced by in situ-formed shish–kebab-like ultrahigh molecular weight polyolefin nanofibers.