| abstract |
A method is provided for the production of ultrahigh molecular weight drag reducing substances and the like comprising: (a) preparing under an inert atmosphere a catalyst comprising: p1 (1) titanium halide of the general formula TiXm wherein m=2.5 to 4.0; (2) a co-catalyst of the formula AlRnX3-n where R is a hydrocarbon radical, X is a halogen or hydrogen and n is 2 or 3; (3) a phosphorous compound of the formula PR1R2R3 or P(OR1) (OR2) (OR3) where R1, R2, and R3 are, independently, aryl, alkyl, aralkyl, or alkaryl, containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms and placing the catalyst in contact with; (b) alpha-monoolefinic hydrocarbons from C2-C30 under suitable temperature conditions to provide a hydrocarbon soluble ultrahigh molecular weight polymer, then ceasing polymerization at a polymer content level of 20% by weight or less, based on the total reaction mixture. |