Neodymium versatate catalyst for the 1,3-butadiene polymerization - Effects of reaction parameters

Neodymium versatate was used as catalyst to perform solution 1,3-butadiene polymerizations. Catalysts were synthesized and aged at 5 degrees C for 0-60 days. Reactions were performed in the temperature range from 60 to 80 degrees C for 40-120 min. The obtained polymer products were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). It is shown that the isomers content of the final resin is sensitive to ageing and to modification of the reaction temperature in the analyzed range. Besides, aged catalysts allowed for production of polybutadienes with higher molecular weights and higher polymer yields. Finally, it is shown that chain reincorporation reactions take place when reaction is allowed to continue after reaching monomer conversions that are close to 100%.