Objective
MAO-ROBOTS address the aspects of call NMP2009-1.2-2 molecular factory. We aim to perform basic research on nano-to-micro-sized systems used for industrial polyolefin (PO) production in order to “develop sustainable processes for nano-structuring for specific applications which should present high potential industrial and/or market relevance.” Molecular PO factories consist of methylaluminoxane based structures and a transition metal complex often but not always anchored on a heterogeneous, nano-structured silica support. On the basis of an in-depth understanding of the molecular and supra-molecular assembly and construction principles of MAO we aim to: Create MAO building blocks with a narrow molecular weight distribution and optimum nanostructure in terms of their activation efficiency, probably in the range of molecular weights ≈1000g/mol, “to achieve components and/or systems with predictable and controllable properties such as the composition and physico-chemical structure.” Identify the most productive nano-to-micro structural arrangement (molecular factory layout) of the components MAO, transition metal complex and silica support in order to create “structures with controlled properties over multiple scales, multi-component structures” Establish the basis for reproducible production of the above-identified and newly designed molecular PO factories. Develop methods for quality control of the polyolefin production process in the molecular PO factories on a laboratory scale. Validate the results for the newly developed molecular factories from the laboratory scale by a series of test runs in industrial polyolefin production facilities Stimulate the broader application of nano-structured MAO for an increased spectrum of molecular factories, thereby accessing a broader application range directed towards different specialty polyolefin-based products.
Programme(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-NMP-2009-SMALL-3
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Funding Scheme
CP-FP - Small or medium-scale focused research projectCoordinator
52428 Julich
Germany